A Risky Maneuver?

After five years almost to the month at Sullivan, I am leaving the relative stability of a full-time position as digital creative director to explore other options.

My first step will be a two-month full-time freelance gig as interim creative director for a technology firm (they had some tasty projects I couldn’t resist). After that, however, the future is pretty much wide open.

I have some thoughts (and hopes) as to what might happen next, but the truth is that anything is possible: I could end up full-time someplace else; I might find I enjoy the life of a freelancer so much I continue on; or I might decide it’s time to switch careers altogether (though this last option is pretty unlikely).

Anyway, since I’ve made the news of my departure public, reactions from friends and family have been quite interesting. Some people are shocked that, “in this economy,” I would choose to strike out on my own. Others applaud the adventurous nature of such an endeavor. Still others asked why I didn’t take this step earlier.

But the truth is this: while I have the greatest affection for my friends and clients at Sullivan, I found myself repeating things; I wasn’t growing at the pace I desire; and I needed exposure to a broader range of projects and challenges. I’d started to dig myself (and my portfolio) into what could potentially become an inescapable hole. So it was time to move on.

As a creative professional, when you feel yourself standing still, you’re probably moving backward. It was time. Sure, I’m nervous about the future. But I’m also excited. Every time I’ve shaken things up, good things happen. I have a lot of exciting ideas about the future of digital, and I’m excited at the prospect of making them happen.

Stay tuned.