A Manifesto for 2025

We’ve all heard it before: "The future will be bright." But here's the truth—2025 won't deliver stronger returns or creative breakthroughs unless we decide to make it happen. This is the moment to envision the bold, vibrant, and innovative year we deserve and then take deliberate steps to bring it to life. For design studios, that means setting audacious goals and laying out a strategic path to unparalleled creativity and commercial success.

So here’s my challenge to you: Be BOLD. Commit to doing what it takes to make 2025 a year that stands out.

Expand Your Client Horizons

Growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It’s time to look beyond the usual suspects and target industries that are on the rise. Emerging tech companies are redefining markets, and their hunger for innovative design aligns perfectly with what we bring to the table. At the same time, sustainable brands are looking for partners who can communicate their values with clarity and impact—two things we’re built to deliver.

But it’s not enough to identify these opportunities; we need to act. Let’s refine our brand so it speaks directly to these clients' aspirations. Is your online presence optimized to attract the kind of work you want? Are you putting your expertise on display in a way that draws people in? Networking isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a strategy. Let’s build relationships with industry leaders, attend events, and show up where the conversations are happening. The right clients won’t just find you—you need to be where they’re already looking.

Build the Dream Team

No studio thrives without talent, and talent doesn’t thrive without the right environment. In 2025, let’s commit to hiring not just for skill but for culture. Find people who believe in your studio’s core values and can elevate the way you think, create, and collaborate. Then, invest in them. Training, mentorship, and professional development aren’t nice-to-haves—they’re essentials for staying competitive in a fast-moving industry.

Equally important is creating a place where people want to work. Flexible arrangements, real opportunities for growth, and a work-life balance that doesn’t feel like a myth are key. When your team feels supported, they produce their best work—and they stick around. Let’s aim to build a culture where creative minds flourish and where your studio becomes a magnet for the best talent out there.

Curate a Portfolio of Dreams

What does success in 2025 look like? It’s not just about bigger budgets or more projects; it’s about creating work that matters. Let’s chase projects that redefine what’s possible in design—immersive digital experiences, bold visual identities, and campaigns that move audiences. The kind of work that not only wins awards but also leaves a lasting impression on the people who experience it.

But here’s the kicker: those projects don’t just land in your lap. You have to be intentional. Every piece of work you take on should align with the future you’re building. If it doesn’t move you closer to your vision, say no. Focus on creating a portfolio that doesn’t just look good but tells the story of what your studio stands for and where it’s headed.

This Is the Moment

2025 is yours to create. But boldness isn’t just about ambition—it’s about action. Let’s cast the net wider, build the team stronger, and dream bigger. Together, we can make the next year one to remember—not just for the work we create but for the steps we took to define our future.

So, are you ready to be bold with me?