What does it take to start an agency? For many creatives, it’s a dream born of creative urgings. For others, it’s an urging born of creative frustration.
The Stable has been speaking to the creative founders of some of the world’s great creative start-up success stories. Episode 1 featured Micah Walker, who founded Bear Meets Eagle on Fire in 2019, Vince Lagana, who co-founded It’s Friday in 2021 and Greg Hahn, who co-founded Mischief @ No Fixed Address in 2020. Episode 2 featured Ant Melder, who co-founded Cocogun in 2019.
Jessica Walsh was co-founder and creative director of design studio, Sagmeister & Walsh from 2010 until she founded New York creative agency, &Walsh, in 2019. &Walsh is one of the 1% of creative agencies owned by women. Jessica Walsh is episode 3.
The Stable: Why did you start your own agency – what did you hope to gain, what did you want to leave behind?
Jessica Walsh: Since I was young, it was always my dream to have a studio that was entirely my own. When I was in my teens, I started an HTML help website that taught other designers how to code and design their own websites. Being able to pass down my knowledge was something I always strived to do on a larger scale one day. As I got older, I realised there were other motives outside of passing down my knowledge and putting beautiful work into the world. I also wanted to have control over my future, like where I live, when I can have kids and major decisions around how to run the business.
The Stable: What did you gain?
Jessica Walsh: By starting my own studio, I gained the freedom to shape both the creative direction and the culture I wanted to build. Having full control allowed me to focus not just on producing top-tier design work, but also on launching social initiatives that give back to the community. I’ve been able to hire strategically, strengthen our internal systems, and create a space that reflects my values and passions. Most importantly, it’s given me a platform to pass down knowledge and champion voices that deserve to be heard.
The Stable: What did you find you needed?
Jessica Walsh: What I found I needed was a strong operational foundation and the right people around me. Early on, I tried to do everything myself, which wasn’t sustainable as the studio grew. I realised how important it is to have key hires who can take ownership and help maintain both the creative quality and the culture. I also needed to set clear systems in place – not just for creative output, but for how we work together as a team. That structure has been essential for growth and longevity.
The Stable: What were (are) the challenges?
Jessica Walsh: One of the biggest challenges has been managing growth while maintaining creative quality and a strong studio culture. At one point, we grew too fast, and I was spread incredibly thin, which led to some team dynamics shifting in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I also learned the hard way that design talent alone isn’t enough. People need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and aligned with the studio’s values. Balancing the business side with the creative side is always a challenge, especially when you care deeply about the work and the people doing it. But those experiences taught me how to lead better and build something more sustainable.
Cover image by Landiva Weber
