Meet Lindsay Agnew

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsay Agnew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lindsay, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
For me, resilience has always come from curiosity — from the willingness to try new things, explore different paths, and start over when life demands it. It’s about standing on my own two feet and having the confidence to channel my energy and talents into something meaningful. Every time I’ve faced a challenge, I’ve gained not just experience, but knowledge, perspective, and a deeper understanding of what I’m capable of.

My career in art and design hasn’t followed a straight line. I’ve navigated layoffs, mergers, contract roles, and the unpredictable rhythm of freelance life. There were times when a project I poured my heart into fell through, or I had to rebuild from scratch with limited resources. Each experience taught me new ways to express myself and opened doors to unexpected opportunities — showing me that setbacks are often just stepping stones to something remarkable.

Resilience also comes from my desire for independence — to create a life and career that I built myself, where I don’t have to ask for permission or wait for someone else’s approval. That drive is what led me to start Studio Agnew, a place where uncertainty becomes possibility, and where creativity and experimentation are celebrated as paths to growth.

Being resilient isn’t just about surviving challenges; it’s about thriving through them. Whether I’m painting, designing, crafting, or exploring new ideas, my curiosity fuels my creativity and keeps me moving forward. Each project, each experiment, each risk taken strengthens my ability to adapt and innovate — and allows me to inspire others to do the same.

At its core, resilience is about embracing curiosity, taking risks, and daring to create again and again. It’s the spirit of reinvention, exploration, and creativity that keeps me — and Studio Agnew — alive, thriving, and ready for whatever comes next.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity and Experimentation: Curiosity has fueled everything I do. Trying new techniques, exploring different mediums, and stepping into the unknown has led to unexpected opportunities. For those starting out: embrace experimentation and see mistakes as learning opportunities.

Resilience and Adaptability: The art and design world is unpredictable — layoffs, freelance projects, and changing roles are part of the journey. Early-career creatives should view challenges as stepping stones. Build resilience by setting small goals, learning from setbacks, and celebrating progress.

Creative Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness: Being able to find solutions where others see obstacles is essential. Push yourself to think outside the box, experiment, and ask, “What else could I try?” Resourcefulness turns ideas into reality.

Advice for Early-Career Creatives: Don’t listen to others too much — follow your heart. Curiosity, resilience, and creative problem-solving will guide you, but ultimately, your instincts and passion are what will keep you moving forward.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe being well-rounded has been a huge advantage in my career. Exploring different fields, learning new skills, and gaining diverse experiences has opened up job opportunities and made life more interesting and fun. When you step outside your comfort zone, you’re not just following instructions — you’re figuring things out, learning on your own, and discovering new ways to grow.

Being well-rounded has also helped me pick up additional programs and skills that continue to benefit me in the future. For example, running Studio Agnew requires juggling design, illustration, marketing, event planning, and product development. My experience across different areas of art and design has allowed me to wear multiple hats effectively, adapt to challenges, and find creative solutions that I might not have considered otherwise.

Being versatile encourages an open mind, curiosity, and confidence — qualities that allow me to tackle new projects, experiment with creative ideas, and keep Studio Agnew thriving. For me, having a wide-ranging skill set hasn’t diluted my strengths; it’s amplified them, giving me more tools and perspectives to create meaningful work.

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Image Credits
© Lindsay Agnew / Studio Agnew. All rights reserved.

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