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Hello, this is Blaze. I started a web design and development studio at the tail end of 2024 called Shovel.
This report is supplement to my content by taking a step deeper into my life and creative business.
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Table of contents
Shovel started out of an appreciation for excellent web design with modern technology stacks.
We build for ecomm brands in Shopify and support startups on Webflow.
Our clients are creative-minded teams who build their audience through design, storytelling, and culture. 5 to 50 employees is our sweet spot for success.
To know my ambitions a little more. Here are the goals I wrote down last December that helped me decide every little yes and no to make. After reading Run Studio Run, I’m looking to have 2026 to be more quantifiable.
This is my first work experience outside of college so the first half of the year was learning what’s reasonable to charge and how to keep healthy margins when contractors are involved. I’ve slowly positioned myself out of solo freelancer work by hiring designers or developers to move production along.
Every project has required my attention for design, development, auditing, scoping, etc. I’m very much working in the business at this stage while also learning how to hire new talent for the studio to help with fulfillment.
I’m 25 years old with a formal education in frontend development & IT infrastructure. All of my design skills come from a combination of self teaching with hands-on learning though client and internship work I pursued throughout college. My bachelors was completed December of 2024 and I quit my UX internship (which was a great opportunity) for the life of an entrepreneur before I graduated in October 2024.
Moving to Chicago this year was less major than I panned it out to be. I mostly do the same things (work & gym), but when I have the time to explore it’s much more enjoyable and motivating vs being in the small scene of Milwaukee. The benefit of living with your significant other is something I found to be very convenient for me as well. This also didn’t feel as major as my brain made it out to be, but that’s because I chose the right person to be with.
Our apartment in Logan Square
In terms of my work/life balance, some months there is none, some it’s better than most people. The reality of my “Ideal life” requires me to put the effort in now while I’m young. With that said. Things like traveling, playing video games, exploring the city, and watching movies are all things that I do to take my mind off of the business. It’s important that I pursue those things to reset my energy. Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is to not work. There are weeks or months where I can’t do those things and that’s fine. A lot of my dopamine comes from the nights I lose sleep to make a video. I love the work even when I don’t.