Hey y’all 👋🏼 I hope you’ve been enjoying Sana’s Notes so far, if there is anything you’d like to hear about from me, just hit the Reply button and let me know! I hope you enjoy this week’s catch-up.

— Sana Tabassum

🍎 food for thought

hello again! It’s been a bit of a tough week. Although, considering my history of creating new projects out of thin air, I think this is normal. I recently shared my latest idea on social media. It’s called Open Studio. A place where architecture students across London can come together to learn, share, collaborate and co-work. More on that at the end of this note.

On the surface, it may seem like I’ve been dabbling into various projects and freelancing since I graduated but it’s been a non-stop rollercoaster. I think, or, I know that I’m my biggest critic which often leads me to reconsider my decisions and overthink. Of course, this is the reality of being a content creator.

I’ve also been having a bit of an identity crisis. I want to apply for Part 2 jobs and gain experience because I know that will unlock many more opportunities in the years ahead. But I also want to put in all my effort to making :scale something bigger than I initially envisioned. Being in this no man’s land of struggling to know which one to pursue, I think I’m going to give myself till the end of the year to make sure that :scale is exactly where I want it to be.

That includes making sure that the website is a coherent and useful resource, but also easy to maintain. It also means crafting the perfect content engine for myself to ensure that I’m nurturing those connections with you guys. And finally, taking initiative with the projects I want to see through. That last one is difficult for me. But I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and talking to different people, making use of my network and pitching ideas.

What I’ve learned 👇🏼

• Sometimes you just need to cry it out. I’m a very emotional person. Some might see it as sensitive, and that may be true, but I think you naturally are sensitive when you care about something deeply. My mini-meltdown happened after a very long day of trying to sort out issues with the website migration. I know it seems small and silly but it’s basically all of my work from the last 4 years 🤷🏼‍♀️

• Intentional breathing helps you to avoid those bad habits. I’ve downloaded this app/automation called One Sec, which forces me to breathe in and out for 3 seconds each time I open Instagram. My average per day is about 30 times but I am spending a lot less time on the app which is a win for me because it’s become almost second nature.

• When in doubt, call a friend. I’m very very lucky to have a supportive network of people around me, especially my best friend (you know who you are). Everyone needs to hear that small bit of reassurance or just the words ‘I get it’ every now and then.

🍗 content nuggets

This week my YouTube feed has been a bit slow. I did enjoy this office tour by Matthew Encina, and have also enjoyed his previous content about starting his own studio and range of products.

I often come across David Larbi’s content on Instagram (you might know him as the guy with the really soothing voice). His podcast has been really nice to listen to in the background whilst I’m doing something repetitive.

🦋 magic sauces

I’m changing this part of the note to ‘magic sauces’ i.e. the little tips and tricks that helped me as an architecture student or generally in day-to-day life. It’s also a good way for me to test content ideas 😉

You’re missing the point of a to-do list.

Having a to-do list changes the game.

I don’t mean a fancy, premium management system but just a simple list.

Sometimes it also gives you the permission to do something else when you’re stuck.

I always associate task management with energy management.

So depending on how I’m feeling, maybe some days I will do the easier tasks first.

The point of a to-do list isn’t to keep adding stuff to do.

It’s to prioritise and write things down so it doesn’t get lost.

🔥 on the back burner

I worked (very) hard on my latest YouTube video. I wrote a script, planned the shots and inspected every second of editing. I really want to try and push myself to create videos that aren’t bland.

If you’ve just started the academic year, no matter which year of architecture school you’re in, you’ll have been given a design brief. In this video I share my 3-step process on unpacking and making the most of the design brief to set the tone for a successful project.

Open Studio

Also, if you’re part of an architecture society, please reach out! I’m looking to partner with societies across London to run trial days of Open Studio. I can offer 1:1 sessions for reviewing design portfolios, CVs and essays as well as running a workshop on how to build your personal brand as an architecture student.

All I’d need is a space and at least 10 students to foster a small session where you can co-work, learn from peers in all years and make new connections!

If this sounds right up your street and you want to bring something new to your architecture school, drop me a DM on Instagram or hit reply to this email 🫶

— Sana x