Behind the Curtain: How Studio 931 Stays Creative & Organized
Ever wonder how a creative business stays both imaginative and organized?
Spoiler alert: it involves an amazing project manager (yes, my boyfriend), some carefully chosen tools, and systems that keep creativity flowing while deadlines stay met.
The Dream Team
First, let me share a little secret – running Studio 931 isn't a solo show. While I handle all the creative and strategic work, my boyfriend has become our unofficial (but absolutely essential) project manager. Having someone help track deadlines, organize workflows, and keep our projects running smoothly means I can focus on what I do best: creating beautiful, strategic designs for my clients.
Tools That Keep Us Running
In the spirit of transparency, here are the digital tools that help Studio 931 deliver exceptional results:
Figma: I have been using Figma since college and it pretty much the only tool I use when creating websites for clients. I have found that it is the most user-friendly platform for sharing work and collaborating with clients.
HoneyBook: Our client management system that handles everything from contracts to invoicing. It's like having a personal assistant who never sleeps. Side note: Project management and CRM systems are NOT my strong-suite — HoneyBook (and my unofficial project manager) has saved me so much time in my business.
Google Meet & Loom: Because great design is built on great communication. Google Meet helps us have those vital face-to-face conversations with clients, while Loom lets us share detailed feedback and walkthroughs asynchronously.
Calendly: No more email ping-pong to schedule meetings (my nightmare). This tool lets clients book time with me effortlessly, respecting everyone's schedule.
Google Sheets: The unsung hero of project planning. We use it to track timelines, manage content, and keep our creative process organized. Shout out to Zach (my PM) for setting this up — he is the true hero in all of this.
An actual screenshot from a client project. It’s a very basic template, however, it works perfectly for my brain and keep clients updated without feeling too overwhelming.
Systems That Make It All Work
But tools are just tools without good systems behind them. Here's how I keep everything running smoothly (for the most part):
Time Blocking: Creative work requires deep focus. I block out specific times for design work, client meetings, and administrative tasks. This helps maintain creative flow while ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. I will admit that this takes a little trial and error to fine tune. I’ve only recently felt really good about the time I slot for specific tasks — so be patient with it!
An actual screenshot of my week from 12/31/24 - 1/3/25. I typically do a mid-week check-in to see what needs to planned for the rest of the week. Side note: Wednesday was New Years Day, so I gave myself room to breathe.
Content Marketing Strategy: Staying connected with our community matters. Through social media and this blog, I share insights, behind-the-scenes peeks, and valuable tips. It's not just about promotion – it's about building genuine connections and sharing knowledge that helps other businesses grow. Like time-blocking, this is a slow burn. I’m still trying to figure out which platform to prioritize and what kind of content is going to not only resonate with my audience, but also give me the freedom to be flexible and creative (without feeling like I’m falling off a hamster wheel).
Project Management Flow: Every project follows a carefully crafted journey from initial consultation to final delivery. Having clear systems means I can focus on being creative while knowing all the important details are handled.
The Human Touch
While these tools and systems are crucial, what really makes Studio 931 tick is the human element. We believe in treating every client like a friend, which means sometimes stepping away from the tools and systems to simply listen and understand.
Morning coffee walks help clear the mind for creative work. Regular check-ins with clients build trust and ensure we're always aligned with their vision. And yes, sometimes the best project management happens over dinner conversation with my boyfriend as we discuss how to make processes even better for our clients (and ourselves).