Running a design studio of one means I’m the creative director, project manager, tech support, and snack provider all in one. It’s a wild ride, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s a peek into a typical week inside my digital (and very real) world:
Monday: Mapping It Out
Mondays are all about momentum, not perfection. I usually start with a quiet coffee and stroll around my yard, then come inside to settle down, check my inbox, and review my active projects.
I spend the rest of the day setting priorities, touching base with clients, and blocking time for the week’s biggest creative lifts, whether that’s an annual report design, a full website build or a rebrand kickoff.
Highlight: Creating space to think, not just do.
Tuesday: Deep Design Work
This is my favorite day, because it’s usually meeting-light and creativity-heavy. I fire up Spotify, find an inspiring playlist, and dive into design: branding concepts, web layouts, social templates, you name it. I try to block at least 4 hours for uninterrupted creative flow.
Pro tip: Good design takes time and brain space. I protect Tuesdays like my sanity depends on it. (It kind of does.)
Wednesday: Meals, Clients & Momentum
Wednesday mornings, I step away from the screen and deliver Meals on Wheels. It gives me a grounding break from client work and reminds me that life (and business) should make space for purpose.
After that, I dive into work for my biggest ongoing client, the one I collaborate with month-to-month on marketing and website maintenance. Wednesdays are about keeping their brand consistent, current, and thriving.
Balance = giving time to what matters, on screen and off.
Thursday: Dedicated to Ongoing Clients
Thursdays are fully blocked for retainer and recurring clients. I like giving these projects their own day so I can focus on refining their design systems, building out new pages, or updating content without hopping between totally different brands.
It’s also when I handle feedback, revisions, coaching sessions and mini-strategy calls that help their businesses stay visually sharp and functional.
Bonus: Working with clients over time means better design, better results, and fewer surprises
Friday: Wrap-Up & Wind-Down
Fridays are for wrap-ups, invoicing, and inbox zero (or close enough). I try to end the week with things off my plate and projects in motion, so Monday Rachel isn’t overwhelmed.
Sometimes I’ll squeeze in light creative work or save time for professional development—like checking out a new design tool or tweaking my onboarding process.
Then I log off and try not to check email again until Monday. I try.
The Truth? It’s Not Always Balanced—But It’s Worth It
Running a one-woman design studio isn’t always glamorous. Some weeks feel like a sprint, others like a slog. But the freedom to create on my terms, build long-term relationships with clients I love, and make space for things like community service? That’s the part I wouldn’t trade.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes of a solo creative biz, this is it—messy, meaningful, and fueled by a lot of coffee and Canva magic.
Want to work together or just say hi? Get in touch here. I love connecting with fellow creatives, clients, and curious minds.
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