FROM THE DESK | ISSUE 012

FIELD NOTES | Running a creative business as a non-creative 

For a long time, I resisted joining Rory in Idle Hands. I told myself I wasn’t creative enough, that my skills wouldn’t translate, and that I couldn’t contribute. But, after years of asking (and a few late-night kitchen table chats), I caved.

Turns out, the barrier wasn’t creativity, it was perspective. From day one, I found my lane. I knew clients. I knew service. I knew how to streamline processes and keep things running. That was my value. It just took me a while to own it.

The real breakthrough? Regularly reflecting on what I bring to the table, not just what I don’t. I regularly reflect, asking myself question like these (feel free to borrow, steal, adapt): 

1. What would make me feel accomplished today? 

2. What can I do better than (insert anyone who you work with) today?

3. What are my goals? How can I use this as an opportunity to get closer to them? 

4. Where did I previously win? What are the similarities here? 

If you’ve ever labeled yourself as “not a creative,” or “not creative enough” trust me, you’ve got strengths worth leaning into. Championing yourself might feel uncomfortable at first, but once you do, it’s a whole new trajectory.

I’m covering all of these nuances of being a non-creative in the creative world, and how it helps us deliver the best service and outcome that we can, over on Instagram. Click the button below to check out the latest instalment.

Suz

FRESH OFF THE DESK | Slàinte Mhath

My parents just touched down from Scotland this weekend, and as always, they showed up with a bottle of whisky in hand. As any pale skinned, red headed Scot would, I took that as a sign to shout out one of our past favourites, The Little Nip Co.

This project was a ton of fun. A small brand with charm, character, and a name that already made us smile. We leaned into a look that felt just as friendly and sippable as the products they provide samples for. Clean and elevated, but with just enough warmth to hold that heritage feel. And while this one isn’t up on our site just yet, it’s absolutely making the cut in our next portfolio refresh.

So instead of sending you to a project page that doesn’t exist yet, I’ve got a better ask:

What’s your go-to whisky?

We want the goods. Hit the button below and drop your favourite nip, bonus points if it’s a little off the beaten path. And I promise not to judge if it’s not from the motherland.

Rory

ON OUR RADAR | Cabin

Every once in a while, a book comes along that makes you want to cancel all your plans, buy a plot of land in the middle of nowhere, throw your phone away, and spend the next six months escaping the noise. This is that book.

Cabin: How to Build a Retreat in the Wilderness and Learn to Live with Nature is a beautifully designed guide-slash-daydream, filled with practical insights, a healthy dose of storys about exceptional cabin builds throughout history, whilst threading the tale of the authors, Will Jones, own personal cabin build too. It’s not just about architecture and diagrams of roof construction (although I do enjoy those), but at it’s core, pulls you into thinking about living in a way that’s slower, more intentional, and appreciating the land around you.

Whether you’re actually planning to build your off-grid dream spot, or just want a little visual escape from the digital chaos, this one’s worth a flip-through. I haven’t linked a spot to purchase, as I urge you to head to your local book-store to pick this one up, instead of giving Bezos your hard-earned cash.

Enjoy,

Rory

That’s a wrap on Issue 012. If you’ve made it this far, you officially qualify as a real one. Whether you came for the tips, the projects, the cabin daydreams, or just a break from the usual inbox chaos, we’re glad you’re here.

We’ve got more scribbles, tips, and (hopefully) useful tangents coming your way soon.

Until next Monday,

Rory & Suz