This year, we got fed up with social media and launched our own network for creatives, The Studio. So, how’s it been going so far? We asked members to share their views.
Fed up with big social media? But still want to connect with creatives? Then we’ve made a social network, especially for you. The Studio is our private, distraction-free sanctuary for creatives to connect, collaborate, and grow. And it’s totally free to join!
In the short time since its launch, The Studio has rapidly evolved into what many describe as a digital sanctuary—a refreshing alternative to algorithm-driven social platforms.
To celebrate The Studio’s first month in existence, we’ve gathered reflections from members that convey what it truly means to those who now call it home.
Meanwhile, if you want the full, unfiltered version, you can read it here.
A respite from algorithm culture
One thing that immediately stood out in our discussion was the overwhelming sense of relief people felt at finding a space free from the pressures of conventional social media.
Video producer captures this sentiment perfectly. “I don’t think the problems with social media generally mean that no kind of social media can work,” he explains. “It’s just that once any platform gets beyond a certain size and needs to start generating billions of dollars, the lowest common denominator usually wins.”
This freedom from algorithms and engagement metrics has fostered in The Studio something many creatives have been craving—genuine connection.
The platform’s carefully considered design features have helped here, too. Art director Stephen V, for example, notes “the unconditional ‘lack’ of the like button in the chat [which] forces you to be more intentional”.
Daily connections
For freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, meanwhile, The Studio offers something particularly valuable—daily connection in what can otherwise be an isolating work experience.
“As a one-woman-band brand consultancy, often working solo, it’s such a warm and energetic space to dive into each day,” raves art director Olivia McDonald. “Genuine, like-minded community at my fingertips.”
Artist, pattern designer and illustrator Sally Purser echoes this sentiment from the perspective of “an older woman doing it for themselves, without that IRL studio experience”. She’s found The Studio to be “invaluable: a place where I feel totally accepted and welcome, without judgement”.
The morning ritual of members greeting each other across multiple time zones has already become a cherished habit that embodies the community’s supportive nature. “It’s nice to see everyone saying ‘Morning!’ to each other every day,” says Nick, “and also that it smooshes across multiple time zones; it feels like a space we all needed.”
A return to authentic connection
Many members have drawn parallels between The Studio and the early days of the web. Copywriter Denise Strohsahl describes it as “a refuge from the world of algorithms and constant self-promotion. It feels like being back in the early chat rooms when it was all about connections without anybody worrying about being trolled, spammed or scammed”.
Similarly, artist Jennifer Sharpe, who’s participated in online communities for years, loves the focus on conversation rather than self-promotion. “My greatest experiences with my online artistic community have been through just having conversations about art subjects, technical, theoretical, anything,” she says. “Everything good in terms of collaboration, formations of groups and so on has come from that.”
This sentiment is echoed by brand designer Abhinav Yadav, who finds The Studio provides an antidote to “all the ‘You need to network to grow’, ‘Make connections to climb the success ladder’ bullshit I’ve become used to on socials. In contrast, The Studio has been a breath of fresh air”.
A global hub
The international nature of The Studio has been one of its most praised aspects. As writer, designer and illustrator Fiifi Džansi puts it: “I feel very comfortable here—it’s like my second home. I love chatting with fellow creatives, and this is the closest I’ve gotten to connecting with creatives from all over the world.”
Similarly, designer and artist Matthew Gallagher appreciates how the community excels at “bringing a world view to an open forum in a compelling and positive manner”.
That said, while enthusiasm runs high, some members acknowledge the challenge of balancing participation with work commitments. Photo retoucher and creative artworker Sandrine Bascouert notes that “I get swamped with projects to work on, and some to review, and I can’t spend too much time in there.” Despite this, she’s hoping to get involved more while maintaining “just enough Studio/work balance”.
For many, though, The Studio has already become integrated into their daily routines. Marie Brunet shares how her “average workday has taken on a new, fabulous rhythm”, with mornings beginning with greetings from “a community of people starting their day alongside you”.
Matthew Gallagher, meanwhile, reveals that The Studio has become his “first social stop of my day because I know I can learn something from the community and hopefully help someone else with my experience”.
Looking forward
As The Studio continues to evolve, members are feeling optimism about its future. Designer and illustrator Nvard Yerkanian, who started her internet journey with forums long before social networks took over, sees The Studio as “a breath of fresh air” and believes “this space will only grow and get even better”.
Graphic designer Sarah Wall anticipates “wonderful things to come”, while brand designer Asa Rodger observes that The Studio “feels alive [with] such a range here – from freelancers to creative directors of some of the world’s best agencies, all the way out to creative rockstars”.
Perhaps Marie Brunet best captures the collective sentiment when she reflects: “It’s a great lesson that life is full of surprises. Even within the big, fast-paced, data-driven, ego-driven world of the web, there are little magical spaces like this.”
As The Studio moves beyond its inaugural month, early feedback suggests it’s tapped into something that creative professionals have been yearning for—a genuine community where members can connect, support each other, and thrive together. With more than 3,000 members and growing, we’d love you to join us!
