The POST Project BLUES
April was a big month of project wraps — and it hit me harder than I expected. Not just physically (although yes, lots of lifting, travel and logistics), but emotionally too.
There’s a part of the design process that no one really prepares you for: how much emotional resilience it actually takes to finish a project as a solo designer.
This month I had more moments where manufacturers dropped the ball, mistakes had to be corrected under tight timelines, and some of the fixes came straight out of my own pocket. (That’s why we build in margins, but it still stings.) It felt like for every beautiful reveal moment, there was a backstage scramble happening to protect the client experience — and honestly, it’s exhausting sometimes.
I’m always thinking about how to build better buffers into the way I work to protect myself — and am relieved I had already started last year. A designer shared with us during a Hottie Hangout that she automatically sets aside 20% of product sales into a separate “fix-it” account — not part of her profit, not part of her business ops. Just a little emergency fund for damages, reorders, or anything that needs smoothing out for the clients. Another designer friend moves 5% of her overall profit into a “Loss” account which functions the same way. It doesn’t cover lost time, but it is a proactive way to protect both your profit and your peace.
But the hardest moment this month wasn’t a logistical or financial one — it was the letdown I felt after (nearly) finishing two really fulfilling, deeply enjoyable projects. I thought I’d just feel pure pride and excitement. But I also found myself kind of sad.
The adrenaline of pushing toward the finish line had faded.
I knew I’d miss the deep connection I’d cultivated with the clients who had started to feel more like friends.
I thrive on shared purpose and collaborative creativity, so reaching the end of such an immersive process left me feeling adrift.
It made me realize that as much as we create beautiful spaces, we’re also deeply intertwined with our clients’ lives for a chapter of time. And when that chapter ends, it’s normal (and human) to feel a little bit lost.
I know not every designer goes through this, and I certainly don’t on every project, but building emotional resilience isn’t about pretending things don’t affect you.
It’s about staying soft and strong at the same time:
– Advocating for your standards without losing your patience.
– Protecting your profit but doing right by your clients when things go sideways.
– Letting yourself be proud and sad at the same time when a meaningful project wraps up.
If you’re deep in projects and feeling a little frayed around the edges — you’re not alone.
This work is real. The impact we have is real. And so are the emotions that come with it.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’ve got an upcoming HYDC podcast episode diving into the emotional side of our work.
Fizzles & Sizzles
Rebecca's Fizzle
Shaun's Fizzle
The stress of getting drapery installed before my client returned from a long trip nearly did me in. What should’ve been one smooth install turned into four separate appointments thanks to issues between my workroom and the hardware vendor. It made my clients (understandably) anxious, and I spent a lot of energy trying to hold it all together. It all came together hours before they returned (!) but it was rough getting there.
I got really behind the ball when it came to scheduling my photographer for 2 smaller projects I’m just wrapping. She’s booking into July already, and I’m just dreading the prep work it’s going to take to get those rooms photoshoot ready after the clients have been living in them for so long.
Rebecca's Sizzle
Shaun's Sizzle
I finally got to meet my Texas client in person after working together remotely for over a year. I even stayed with them during the visit (not typical, but it made sense given the remote location and their incredible hospitality). Exploring Round Top, making design decisions in real life, and connecting face-to-face made the whole experience feel so personal and rewarding. I can’t wait to get back for a photoshoot!
Spring has sprung! This year 2 hummingbird mommas have nested at my house. It’s been such a joy to watch them build their tiny nests, and they each had a set of twins!! Now there are tons of little hummingbirds flitting around my garden.
