Struktur Society
@struktursociety.bsky.social
The only peer to peer creative community that clears safe spaces to radically share new ideas for leadership growth in art, design + music. Founded by Michelle M. Rose, design leader shaping iconic brands including The North Face and Columbia Sportswear.
1. Social media didn’t start as marketing.
Platforms that began as ways to share moments with friends have turned into advertising ecosystems.
2. If you’re passively consuming, you’re the product.
Attention is the commodity. It’s like flipping through a magazine full of ads that never end.
Platforms that began as ways to share moments with friends have turned into advertising ecosystems.
2. If you’re passively consuming, you’re the product.
Attention is the commodity. It’s like flipping through a magazine full of ads that never end.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 55: Social Media Isn't Social For Professionals
Six Points For Shifting The Mindset Of Professional Creatives
struktursociety.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:11 PM
1. Social media didn’t start as marketing.
Platforms that began as ways to share moments with friends have turned into advertising ecosystems.
2. If you’re passively consuming, you’re the product.
Attention is the commodity. It’s like flipping through a magazine full of ads that never end.
Platforms that began as ways to share moments with friends have turned into advertising ecosystems.
2. If you’re passively consuming, you’re the product.
Attention is the commodity. It’s like flipping through a magazine full of ads that never end.
Repetition and consistency are a kind of compass.
When you’re working alone, or leading something others can’t quite see, there are days that feel blurry. Off-track. The spark, the clarity you thought you had might vanish by midmorning.
It can feel like you’re doing it wrong. But you’re not.
When you’re working alone, or leading something others can’t quite see, there are days that feel blurry. Off-track. The spark, the clarity you thought you had might vanish by midmorning.
It can feel like you’re doing it wrong. But you’re not.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 54: Repetition And Consistency
Showing Up Is The Path And Compass
struktursociety.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Repetition and consistency are a kind of compass.
When you’re working alone, or leading something others can’t quite see, there are days that feel blurry. Off-track. The spark, the clarity you thought you had might vanish by midmorning.
It can feel like you’re doing it wrong. But you’re not.
When you’re working alone, or leading something others can’t quite see, there are days that feel blurry. Off-track. The spark, the clarity you thought you had might vanish by midmorning.
It can feel like you’re doing it wrong. But you’re not.
Today Congress votes on whether to unseal more of the Epstein files. On the surface it looks like a vote about disclosure. It is really a moment that reveals where we are culturally, how trust is shifting and why this era feels different from every institutional scandal we have lived through before.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 53: The Collapse Of Deference And The Post Elite Era
Why the Epstein Files Mark a Cultural Turning Point
struktursociety.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Today Congress votes on whether to unseal more of the Epstein files. On the surface it looks like a vote about disclosure. It is really a moment that reveals where we are culturally, how trust is shifting and why this era feels different from every institutional scandal we have lived through before.
Issue Five of The Studio Zine is out now.
If you’re new here, Struktur sits at the intersection of design, music, and technology.
It’s where we explore the work of creative professionals, and how that work intersects with rapid shifts in tech, culture, and expression. Join us!
If you’re new here, Struktur sits at the intersection of design, music, and technology.
It’s where we explore the work of creative professionals, and how that work intersects with rapid shifts in tech, culture, and expression. Join us!
The Studio Zine | Issue Five
Transmissions From The Studio of Struktur Society
struktursociety.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Issue Five of The Studio Zine is out now.
If you’re new here, Struktur sits at the intersection of design, music, and technology.
It’s where we explore the work of creative professionals, and how that work intersects with rapid shifts in tech, culture, and expression. Join us!
If you’re new here, Struktur sits at the intersection of design, music, and technology.
It’s where we explore the work of creative professionals, and how that work intersects with rapid shifts in tech, culture, and expression. Join us!
About a decade ago, I created something that hadn’t existed before… a creative conference to connect and support people doing powerful work. On the surface, it was a success.
But underneath, I was being drained. I had built something meaningful without a center. And it couldn’t hold.
But underneath, I was being drained. I had built something meaningful without a center. And it couldn’t hold.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 52: Finding Your Center
Building Something Meaningful And Sustainable From The Inside Out
struktursociety.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:58 PM
About a decade ago, I created something that hadn’t existed before… a creative conference to connect and support people doing powerful work. On the surface, it was a success.
But underneath, I was being drained. I had built something meaningful without a center. And it couldn’t hold.
But underneath, I was being drained. I had built something meaningful without a center. And it couldn’t hold.
It used to be the artist needed the middleman to survive.
The gallery... The record label... The platform... The merchandiser... Spotify.
They knew how to package, how to sell, how to connect the art to the world. And over time, they learned how to profit more than the artist did.
The gallery... The record label... The platform... The merchandiser... Spotify.
They knew how to package, how to sell, how to connect the art to the world. And over time, they learned how to profit more than the artist did.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 52: The Artist And The Middleman
Flipping The Script On Who Is Really In Charge
struktursociety.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
It used to be the artist needed the middleman to survive.
The gallery... The record label... The platform... The merchandiser... Spotify.
They knew how to package, how to sell, how to connect the art to the world. And over time, they learned how to profit more than the artist did.
The gallery... The record label... The platform... The merchandiser... Spotify.
They knew how to package, how to sell, how to connect the art to the world. And over time, they learned how to profit more than the artist did.
We’ve all seen it... glossy AI images, curated carousels, and carefully packaged voices. In a destabilized landscape, it makes sense. Designers are becoming thought leaders. Creatives are becoming coaches. Builders are becoming brands.
But quantity is not quality. And popularity is not depth.
But quantity is not quality. And popularity is not depth.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 51: Grit Over Gloss
Moving Past Surface Popularity To Lead From Someplace Deeper
struktursociety.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:55 PM
We’ve all seen it... glossy AI images, curated carousels, and carefully packaged voices. In a destabilized landscape, it makes sense. Designers are becoming thought leaders. Creatives are becoming coaches. Builders are becoming brands.
But quantity is not quality. And popularity is not depth.
But quantity is not quality. And popularity is not depth.
In May of 1991, I walked into a martial arts studio that would end up shaping the next decades of my life. On the bulletin board was a photocopy of a passage from Karlfried Graf Dürckheim. It stayed there for years.
I made my own copy, added it to my training notebook, and carried it with me.
I made my own copy, added it to my training notebook, and carried it with me.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 50: The Way Of Transformation
How Exposing Ourselves To Annihilation Allows Our True Selves To Rise From The Ashes
struktursociety.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:57 PM
In May of 1991, I walked into a martial arts studio that would end up shaping the next decades of my life. On the bulletin board was a photocopy of a passage from Karlfried Graf Dürckheim. It stayed there for years.
I made my own copy, added it to my training notebook, and carried it with me.
I made my own copy, added it to my training notebook, and carried it with me.
Children’s playgrounds have fences so they can run wild and free.
As adults, we build plenty of “fences” for ourselves. What we often forget is how much we still need to play.
The professional artist builds a system of fences...containers, timelines, rituals...not to limit play, but to protect it.
As adults, we build plenty of “fences” for ourselves. What we often forget is how much we still need to play.
The professional artist builds a system of fences...containers, timelines, rituals...not to limit play, but to protect it.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 49: Structure In Service Of Spaciousness
Creating Safe Space In Which To Play
struktursociety.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Children’s playgrounds have fences so they can run wild and free.
As adults, we build plenty of “fences” for ourselves. What we often forget is how much we still need to play.
The professional artist builds a system of fences...containers, timelines, rituals...not to limit play, but to protect it.
As adults, we build plenty of “fences” for ourselves. What we often forget is how much we still need to play.
The professional artist builds a system of fences...containers, timelines, rituals...not to limit play, but to protect it.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
—Leonard Cohen
Building something new, from the ground up. Something that’s truly yours, raw and real and inspired. It’s hard.
—Leonard Cohen
Building something new, from the ground up. Something that’s truly yours, raw and real and inspired. It’s hard.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 48: Dispatch From The Dip
Reporting From The Downside Of The Ups And Downs
struktursociety.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:44 AM
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
—Leonard Cohen
Building something new, from the ground up. Something that’s truly yours, raw and real and inspired. It’s hard.
—Leonard Cohen
Building something new, from the ground up. Something that’s truly yours, raw and real and inspired. It’s hard.
There’s a fine line between being of service and seeking attention, especially when we start telling our stories in public.
At first, sharing feels like a generous act… vulnerable, necessary, even brave. But somewhere in the process, it gets complicated.
At first, sharing feels like a generous act… vulnerable, necessary, even brave. But somewhere in the process, it gets complicated.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 47: Being Of Service or Just Seeking Attention
The Fine Line That Exists In Sharing Your Story
struktursociety.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
There’s a fine line between being of service and seeking attention, especially when we start telling our stories in public.
At first, sharing feels like a generous act… vulnerable, necessary, even brave. But somewhere in the process, it gets complicated.
At first, sharing feels like a generous act… vulnerable, necessary, even brave. But somewhere in the process, it gets complicated.
Last year, music producer and YouTuber Rick Beato posted a video asking, “Where have all the bands gone?”
A lot of people are asking the same thing.
”Is rock dead?”
“What happened to vinyl?”
“Where did metal go?”
But here’s the thing:
It never left. You just weren’t paying attention.
A lot of people are asking the same thing.
”Is rock dead?”
“What happened to vinyl?”
“Where did metal go?”
But here’s the thing:
It never left. You just weren’t paying attention.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 46: Alive & Kicking
The Underground Music Culture Has Always Been Here
struktursociety.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Last year, music producer and YouTuber Rick Beato posted a video asking, “Where have all the bands gone?”
A lot of people are asking the same thing.
”Is rock dead?”
“What happened to vinyl?”
“Where did metal go?”
But here’s the thing:
It never left. You just weren’t paying attention.
A lot of people are asking the same thing.
”Is rock dead?”
“What happened to vinyl?”
“Where did metal go?”
But here’s the thing:
It never left. You just weren’t paying attention.
There’s something happening. I’m seeing it everywhere, especially among Gen X creatives.
People who once shaped industries, music scenes, and subcultures are stepping forward again. Not because they want attention. But because they have to. Because it’s time.
People who once shaped industries, music scenes, and subcultures are stepping forward again. Not because they want attention. But because they have to. Because it’s time.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 45: Building Wings
The Creative Transformation of GenX
struktursociety.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:03 PM
There’s something happening. I’m seeing it everywhere, especially among Gen X creatives.
People who once shaped industries, music scenes, and subcultures are stepping forward again. Not because they want attention. But because they have to. Because it’s time.
People who once shaped industries, music scenes, and subcultures are stepping forward again. Not because they want attention. But because they have to. Because it’s time.
As creatives, many of us tend to think, and say, that we suffer from imposter syndrome. Our insecurities or low self-esteem can make us less confident and effective. It can get in the way of doing the work we are meant to do… all because we think we might be found out as a hack.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 44: The Positive Side Of Imposter Syndrome
It's Not All Bad
struktursociety.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:03 PM
As creatives, many of us tend to think, and say, that we suffer from imposter syndrome. Our insecurities or low self-esteem can make us less confident and effective. It can get in the way of doing the work we are meant to do… all because we think we might be found out as a hack.
How does one get a design job in the sport and outdoor industry?
Here’s how….
Here’s how….
Hunting The Paper Tiger 43: Getting A Design Job In The Sport + Outdoor Industry
The Messy Rebellious Path Carved By GenX
struktursociety.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
How does one get a design job in the sport and outdoor industry?
Here’s how….
Here’s how….
Right now, we’re not just facing a crisis of confidence in our leaders, our systems, or our technology... we’re facing it in ourselves.
That moment when you almost say something, share something, build something... and then shrink back. You hide. You disappear.
I know it well.
That moment when you almost say something, share something, build something... and then shrink back. You hide. You disappear.
I know it well.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 42: Crisis Of Confidence
Stepping Over Doubt To Do The Work You Are Meant To Do
struktursociety.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Right now, we’re not just facing a crisis of confidence in our leaders, our systems, or our technology... we’re facing it in ourselves.
That moment when you almost say something, share something, build something... and then shrink back. You hide. You disappear.
I know it well.
That moment when you almost say something, share something, build something... and then shrink back. You hide. You disappear.
I know it well.
I knew martial arts would teach me how to fight.
I wanted to learn to block, strike, move with power. I knew I needed strength, discipline, something deeper to ground me. I expected the training would shape me.
What I didn’t expect was how completely it would change the way I see.
I wanted to learn to block, strike, move with power. I knew I needed strength, discipline, something deeper to ground me. I expected the training would shape me.
What I didn’t expect was how completely it would change the way I see.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 41: The Leader And The Bully
The Choice To Get Ahead By Lifting Others... Or Stepping On Them
struktursociety.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:36 PM
I knew martial arts would teach me how to fight.
I wanted to learn to block, strike, move with power. I knew I needed strength, discipline, something deeper to ground me. I expected the training would shape me.
What I didn’t expect was how completely it would change the way I see.
I wanted to learn to block, strike, move with power. I knew I needed strength, discipline, something deeper to ground me. I expected the training would shape me.
What I didn’t expect was how completely it would change the way I see.
Something’s happening in the world of design. Maybe you’ve felt it.
Everything’s looking the same. Same shapes. Same sounds. Same recycled language, slightly rearranged.
And yet, I still believe... The artist matters. The real ones. The ones who bring something only they can bring.
Everything’s looking the same. Same shapes. Same sounds. Same recycled language, slightly rearranged.
And yet, I still believe... The artist matters. The real ones. The ones who bring something only they can bring.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 40: The Courage Of The True Artist
The Depth, Exposure, and Expense It Takes To Create Something New
struktursociety.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Something’s happening in the world of design. Maybe you’ve felt it.
Everything’s looking the same. Same shapes. Same sounds. Same recycled language, slightly rearranged.
And yet, I still believe... The artist matters. The real ones. The ones who bring something only they can bring.
Everything’s looking the same. Same shapes. Same sounds. Same recycled language, slightly rearranged.
And yet, I still believe... The artist matters. The real ones. The ones who bring something only they can bring.
A bodybuilder uses resistance to gain muscle and strength.
A debater uses resistance to sharpen a point.
A professor uses resistance to teach a lesson.
A tai chi master uses resistance to push an opponent off-balance.
But what about the resistance we face in ourselves?
A debater uses resistance to sharpen a point.
A professor uses resistance to teach a lesson.
A tai chi master uses resistance to push an opponent off-balance.
But what about the resistance we face in ourselves?
Hunting The Paper Tiger 39: Using Resistance
Turning Fear Into Flow
struktursociety.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A bodybuilder uses resistance to gain muscle and strength.
A debater uses resistance to sharpen a point.
A professor uses resistance to teach a lesson.
A tai chi master uses resistance to push an opponent off-balance.
But what about the resistance we face in ourselves?
A debater uses resistance to sharpen a point.
A professor uses resistance to teach a lesson.
A tai chi master uses resistance to push an opponent off-balance.
But what about the resistance we face in ourselves?
Not everything handed to you belongs to you. Pause. Sort. Choose what’s truly yours.
Being able to name what’s being handed to you is a kind of power.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Being able to name what’s being handed to you is a kind of power.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Hunting The Paper Tiger 38: The Monkey, The Ball, and The Suitcase
The Power Of Knowing What You Are Holding
struktursociety.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Not everything handed to you belongs to you. Pause. Sort. Choose what’s truly yours.
Being able to name what’s being handed to you is a kind of power.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Being able to name what’s being handed to you is a kind of power.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
If you want something new in your life... more time, different habits, fresher ideas...
...then clear some space.
Sometimes we try to make changes by adding more tasks, rules, and expectations, only to feel buried by them.
Next time, start by clearing space.
...then clear some space.
Sometimes we try to make changes by adding more tasks, rules, and expectations, only to feel buried by them.
Next time, start by clearing space.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 37: Clearing Space
Letting Go And Making Room For More Of What You Want
struktursociety.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
If you want something new in your life... more time, different habits, fresher ideas...
...then clear some space.
Sometimes we try to make changes by adding more tasks, rules, and expectations, only to feel buried by them.
Next time, start by clearing space.
...then clear some space.
Sometimes we try to make changes by adding more tasks, rules, and expectations, only to feel buried by them.
Next time, start by clearing space.
Teachers, mentors, leaders, advisors, therapists, colleagues, friends.
We rely on others to help us find our way. They become our guides... sometimes for a season, sometimes for a lifetime.
But the truth is, not everyone is suited to guide just anyone.
We rely on others to help us find our way. They become our guides... sometimes for a season, sometimes for a lifetime.
But the truth is, not everyone is suited to guide just anyone.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 36: Choosing The Right Guide
Developing Trust In Your Own Intuition To Find The Right Path For You
struktursociety.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Teachers, mentors, leaders, advisors, therapists, colleagues, friends.
We rely on others to help us find our way. They become our guides... sometimes for a season, sometimes for a lifetime.
But the truth is, not everyone is suited to guide just anyone.
We rely on others to help us find our way. They become our guides... sometimes for a season, sometimes for a lifetime.
But the truth is, not everyone is suited to guide just anyone.
Being mad isn’t bad. Anger is an emotion… something we all feel. And like all emotions, it’s not good or bad. It’s energy, information.
Anger isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal, a tool. And for creatives, it can be a spark.
Where we point this energy, how we choose to use it, is in our hands.
Anger isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal, a tool. And for creatives, it can be a spark.
Where we point this energy, how we choose to use it, is in our hands.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 35: Sometimes We Need To Get Mad
Channeling Our Emotions Into Useful Energy
struktursociety.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Being mad isn’t bad. Anger is an emotion… something we all feel. And like all emotions, it’s not good or bad. It’s energy, information.
Anger isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal, a tool. And for creatives, it can be a spark.
Where we point this energy, how we choose to use it, is in our hands.
Anger isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal, a tool. And for creatives, it can be a spark.
Where we point this energy, how we choose to use it, is in our hands.
What kind of resilience does it take to step out on your own?
To quit a job and start something new. To voice an unpopular opinion. To start over in a new city. To walk an uncharted path... by yourself.
We all have it... the ability to walk alone... whether we know it or not.
To quit a job and start something new. To voice an unpopular opinion. To start over in a new city. To walk an uncharted path... by yourself.
We all have it... the ability to walk alone... whether we know it or not.
Hunting The Paper Tiger 34: The Loneliness Of Going It Alone
Finding The Resilience You Already Have
struktursociety.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
What kind of resilience does it take to step out on your own?
To quit a job and start something new. To voice an unpopular opinion. To start over in a new city. To walk an uncharted path... by yourself.
We all have it... the ability to walk alone... whether we know it or not.
To quit a job and start something new. To voice an unpopular opinion. To start over in a new city. To walk an uncharted path... by yourself.
We all have it... the ability to walk alone... whether we know it or not.
Where the eye looks, the body follows.
Where you look is where your energy goes.
In martial arts, we strike with the eyes first.
Not the fist. Not the foot.
The gaze leads. The rest obeys.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Where you look is where your energy goes.
In martial arts, we strike with the eyes first.
Not the fist. Not the foot.
The gaze leads. The rest obeys.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Hunting The Paper Tiger 33: Where Your Eye Looks, Your Energy Will Follow
Choose Carefully What You Focus On
struktursociety.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Where the eye looks, the body follows.
Where you look is where your energy goes.
In martial arts, we strike with the eyes first.
Not the fist. Not the foot.
The gaze leads. The rest obeys.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...
Where you look is where your energy goes.
In martial arts, we strike with the eyes first.
Not the fist. Not the foot.
The gaze leads. The rest obeys.
struktursociety.substack.com/p/hunting-th...