Graphic designer Andrew Bell links ADHD diagnosis to years of freelance burnout and structural needs
Graphic designer Andrew Bell explains how his transition from full-time agency roles to freelancing, and back again, helped him identify the specific working conditions required for his inattentive ADHD. After being diagnosed in early 2026, Bell realized that his previous struggles with procrastination and lack of focus were not personal failures but symptoms of a mismatch between his brain and his environment. He now relies on external structures, such as fixed routines and visual timers, to manage his work. This understanding allowed him to return to full-time employment at the studio Ilka, where he found a culture of trust and transparency that supports his needs. The narrative highlights how freelance periods can serve as experiments to discover sustainable work habits for neurodivergent individuals.
