Studio · Operators · Builders
Studio Notes.
How we build and operate a multi-brand studio with AI agents — decisions, systems, and what’s working.
The AI Maintenance Tax and the Case for Local Hardware
As AI-generated code floods repositories, solo operators must shift focus from shipping speed to long-term maintenance costs. The real profit lies in local inference and rigorous, multi-agent validation rather than high-volume automated output.
The $5B Compute Trap and the Case for Software Abstinence
While giants trade billions for compute, indie operators should focus on 'software abstinence' and infrastructure efficiency. Staying small and stable is the only way to manage a multi-brand portfolio without drowning in maintenance.
Agents as headcount: what each role actually does
Treating AI agents like a team — what each agent owns, what they cost, what stays on the operator. The version that survived the first quarter, not the version we promised ourselves on day one.