​For many of us, our creative careers include several chapters, oscillating between spells of freelance gigs and the stability of full-time opportunities. Some of us thrive in the structure of a day job, while others make our best work within the flexibility of a freelance lifestyle, but inevitably we all have days (or clients) that make us fantasize about life on the other side.

​In this event, hosted by creative business collective garden3d, we invite two freelance creatives and two full-time creatives working in agencies or in-house to share their experiences, trade-offs, and insights on navigating career decisions. Moderated by Morgan Evans, with experience on both sides, this conversation will shed light on topics like:

• ​How to be the boss of your own time—whether you work for yourself or not

• ​Finding balance between freedom and security in your career

• ​How to create structure that helps you thrive, whether in a full-time role or as a freelancer

• ​What skills and strategies lead to long-term success in either path

​After hearing from our panelists, you’ll have the chance to connect with others in the audience, whether you’re a freelancer, full-timer, or just considering your next career move. Through small group discussions, you’ll exchange stories, insights, and tips with fellow creatives on similar journeys.

​Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, seeking inspiration, or just curious about life on the other side, we hope you’ll join us to explore why the grass always seems greener — and maybe discover that it’s all about perspective.

​Panelists

​MEGUMI TANAKA
Designer, Developer, Teacher
I Love Creatives

​Megumi Tanaka (they/them) is a designer, developer, and educator. They are currently the full-time Studio Manager at ilovecreatives Studio and teach the Shopify Course at ilovecreatives. Previously, they freelanced for companies like Index, Parsons, Hearst, The Los Angeles Times, and Song Tea. Before that, they worked as a full-time Product Designer in San Francisco.

​AGUS PANZONI
Trend Forecaster & Spokesperson,
Death to Stock

​Agus Panzoni is a trend forecaster and award-winning content creator featured in international publications for her work connecting technology, visuals, and culture. As the Head of Trends at DTS, she translates the zeitgeist into visuals for thousands of brands and creatives, using data-driven insights and storytelling to decode cultural shifts and shape visual narratives. On Instagram (@aguspanzoni) and TikTok (@theAlgorythm), she engages 400K followers by deconstructing cultural phenomena and forecasting future narratives.

​CARLY AYRES
Writer, editor
Figma Story Studio

​Carly Ayres is a writer and editor on Figma’s Story Studio. Previously, she worked on Google Design and, before that, ran a design studio. Her words have appeared in It’s Nice That, Communication Arts, Wallpaper*, Core77, and elsewhere.

​ELIE ANDERSEN
Communications
garden3d

​Elie Andersen leads the communications team at garden3d and serves as co-founder and director of Index, a creative community space for co-working and peer-led programs. Previously, she ran a freelance design practice, collaborating with founders and agencies to bring new brands to life. She studied graphic design at RISD and lives in New York City.

​Moderator

​MORGAN EVANS
Founder
Business Casual