After eight years of working from home as an independent designer, I finally took the leap. This past April, Zykin Design moved into our first dedicated office space here in Houston, and I can honestly say it’s been pretty transformative.
The Journey from Freelancer to Studio
For nearly a decade, I maintained dedicated office spaces in my home—first converting dining rooms into office spaces in my early apartments, then eventually claiming extra bedrooms as my creative space. The setup worked well for a long time, and working from home provided incredible flexibility (as I’m sure a lot of folks learned during the pandemic!)
During that time, I built strong relationships with incredible B2B and construction clients, developed brands that moved businesses forward, and created digital experiences that delivered results.
But the challenges were real. Being at home meant I was tempted by the lure of distractions. The garden calling my name between client calls, the temptation to tackle household tasks during creative blocks, the neighbor’s dog that always seemed to start barking nonstop right when I was getting into a flow state.
More than that, I struggled with the inability to fully disconnect. When your office is down the hall from your living room, transitioning from work mode to home mode becomes nearly impossible sometimes. The mental separation just wasn’t there, and it was very easy to continue to think about work and all the things I had to get done while I started cooking dinner or trying to relax.
The seed for moving into an office space was really planted a couple years ago. It was getting harder and harder to stay focused and motivated. I was starting to realize that something was missing: the legitimacy that comes with a dedicated creative space outside the home. I realized that I desperately needed that psychological shift that happens when you walk into a place built specifically for work—and that you’re able to physically disconnect from when it’s time for a break.
The Productivity Game-changer
Three months into working from the new office space, and the difference is pretty remarkable. There’s something about having a space that exists solely for creative work that unlocks a different level of focus. While I miss having my cat Zorro in the background of my video calls, it’s been a game-changer to have a place where I am able to fully focus without distractions and temptations.
The mental separation between “home” and “work” has been a huge boost for my mental health. When I walk into the studio each morning, I’m not just starting my day—I’m shifting into the identity of Zykin Design as a legitimate creative force, not simply a freelancer working from the comfort of their own home.
Now, I’m not trying to make the case that everyone should be forced to return to the office just for the veneer of productivity. I firmly believe in flexibility and continuously reflecting on what’s working, and what’s not. Working from home worked so well for me for so long, until it didn’t. I fully embrace shifting routines and experimenting with processes when things don’t feel right, and I understand that many folks work way better at home than they do after commuting to the office.
That’s why we’ve implemented a hybrid work model at Zykin Design—come into the office if you feel the need to, but don’t feel obligated to just for the sake of it. While I find myself in the studio space most days, I do not require it of our employees, but there’s a desk waiting for them should they choose to change their scenery.
Looking Forward
I’ll be honest, this feels like just the beginning. While I’m incredibly grateful for this space and the productivity it’s unlocked, I already find myself dreaming about what comes next. The vision for Zykin Design extends far beyond this space, and I can’t help but imagine finding an even more permanent home for our creative work down the road that enables us to implement some ideas we’ve been brewing.
For now though, I’m savoring this season of my life. After eight years of building this business from home, having a dedicated studio space feels like validation that I’m on the right path. The best part? We’re just getting started. I can’t wait to see how this space shapes the next chapter of our story.
Ready to see what focused creativity looks like? Let’s start a conversation about how Zykin Design can help elevate your brand and digital presence.
About the Author
Mary-Ann Zykin is the founder of Zykin Design, where she helps companies and individuals solve their branding and digital challenges through collaborative relationships that evolve with their business.
