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I keep thinking about something @henryy.bsky.social said in this interview (www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhJ3...) about different types of designers. Out of the three he mentions, I’ve lived through two.

youtube.comThe Curious Case of Henry Modisett — First of KindYouTube video by INDIE

Anton Sten

@antonsten.com

Two backgrounds have consistently shaped how I work: 1. Being the first (or only) designer at startups 2. Running a small freelance agency Both force you to make a lot of decisions quickly — often without data, often without backup. You learn to defend your thinking and stay flexible.

5/6/25, 6:44 pm0 reposts0 likes

Anton Sten

@antonsten.com

5 June 2025

As a founding designer, you say yes to things you’ve never done — because no one else will. You ship fast, hire contractors, convince skeptics, and juggle a thousand micro-decisions daily. It’s exhausting. But it builds real creative confidence. www.antonsten.com/articles/the...

antonsten.comThe solo designer: lessons from a startup journey | Anton StenReflections on being the first designer at a startup, sharing insights about daily work, valuable skills, and the unique challenges and rewards of being a startup designer.

Anton Sten

@antonsten.com

5 June 2025

Big company designers might spend months refining a single feature. As a solo freelancer, I’d sometimes design an entire app in a week. That pace isn’t always pretty, but it builds instincts fast. You rack up reps, learn what matters, and get comfortable making decisions without overthinking.