Katie Cadwell: Never a Good Time to Start a Studio, But Do It Anyway

In the latest Creative Career Conundrums column from If You Could Jobs, branding studio co-founder Katie Cadwell addresses whether it is a good time to start a creative studio amid economic instability and AI disruption. Cadwell, who co-founded Lucky Dip and The NDA Podcast, argues that there is never a perfect moment, citing past deterrents like the pandemic, political instability, and recession. She acknowledges that AI, such as Claude, is taking some work, but notes that new studios are emerging daily and clients continue to invest in agencies. Cadwell encourages the questioner, who dreams of running a comfortable business with like-minded creatives, to pursue their vision, emphasizing that the risks are relatively low compared to other industries, requiring little more than a laptop. She warns that staying unchallenged for too long can diminish drive and passion, and that if one doesn't start the next best thing, someone else will. The column is part of a weekly series from If You Could Jobs, the jobs board from It's Nice That, and includes additional resources and job listings.