How Gil Huybrecht Ditched a Steady Job for Growth and Success

In the world of design, finding someone who blends effortless creativity, a high level of craftsmanship, and authenticity is rare. When I interviewed Gil Huybrecht, it was clear he’s not your average designer—his work spoke for itself.

There’s a certain fluidity in his designs that feels both timeless and intentional. Each element is placed with care, balancing aesthetics and function.

He describes it best:

As we dove into his story, what truly intrigued me wasn’t just the craftsmanship but the journey itself—one that began without a master plan or a clear destination. Gil’s plan was simple: “Follow what feels right.”

This is the first of a new series I will bring to you to spotlight unique human beings who shine at what they do. So, you know the drill.

Sit back. Relax. Let’s jump in.

An Accidental Start

At 15, Gil didn’t know where he was heading. Hesitating between Photography and graphic media, he chose the latter—not because he had some grand vision of his future, but because his best friend was enrolling.

As fate would have it, that friend quit a year into the program, but Gil stayed on. It set him on the path to becoming the award-winning designer he is today.

Fast forward to now, and Gil’s body of work speaks volumes: Better Off, Flow, Motto, Vucko, and Custo, with 50+ awards, including 8 FWA Site of the Day and 10 Awwwards Site of the Day. And, as lovely as the recognition is, it’s his love for design, building something that lasts, drives him creatively.

The Comfort Trap

Before freelancing, Gil had a full-time job. And, while secure, it slowly sapped his passion. So, he took a calculated risk and made the leap to freelancing.

Many of us face the comfort trap at some point in our careers. While stability provides security, it often leads to complacency, dulling our drive for new challenges. Gil’s choice to leave his full-time role reminds us that growth rarely happens within our comfort zones.

Like Gil, I believe in the comfort paradox. While stability can provide a foundation for creativity, it can also lead to stagnation. His decision to leave a comfortable job for the uncertainties of freelancing exemplifies that growth often happens outside our comfort zones. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest risk is taking no risk at all.

Finding Balance in Freedom

As a freelancer, Gil relishes the flexibility that comes with the job. His schedule isn’t rigid. It reflects his natural rhythms.

The freedom to manage your own time is a dream for many creatives. But it’s not without its challenges.

• Morning:
  For Gil, mornings are when he does his best creative work. He starts his day around 7:30–8:00 a.m. with a walk with his dog, followed by a session in front of the computer.
  
  He admits, with a laugh, that YouTube videos often make their way into his workday—reminding us that creativity isn’t always about uninterrupted focus, but about letting your mind wander in the right ways.

  
  

• Afternoon:
  By the afternoon, Gil’s productivity dips. Instead of fighting it, he leans into it, using those hours for admin work or procrastinating until the creative spark returns.

  
  

• Evening:
  By evening, his workday is done, and he unwinds with video games like Rocket League before watching a show with his girlfriend.

Gil’s ability to honor his own natural rhythms is a reminder that not every hour of the day needs to be maximized for productivity. Some hours are for work, others for play, and both are essential for maintaining a creative flow. This flexibility allows him to produce work that feels fresh, inspired, and true to his values.

I agree with this 100%. Maintaining a holistic approach to my day by mapping my energy levels fuels my creativity and keeps burnout at bay. My tool of choice for this is the Endel app. I swear by it.

The Unexpected Muse

Many might expect a designer to find inspiration in galleries or design books. But for Gil, inspiration comes from unexpected places.

Gil cultivates a mindset of constant observation and appreciation.

His approach to finding inspiration in nature aligns with the principles of biomimicry in design, which involves emulating nature’s time-tested patterns to solve human problems.

By observing natural phenomena like sky gradients, Gil taps into a wealth of organic inspiration. In our increasingly digital world, his method reminds us of the importance of staying connected to our physical environment. It suggests that in pursuing innovation, sometimes we need to look up from our screens.

The Power of Simplicity

Throughout our conversation, one theme stood out: simplicity. For Gil, the design practice is akin to that of a sculpture. It isn’t about adding more, but about refining down to what truly matters.

It wasn’t always this clear to him, though. In his early years, Gil designed largely by instinct. It wasn’t until he discovered the work of Dieter Rams, the legendary industrial designer known for his ten principles of good design, that things clicked.

Rams’ mantra—“Good design is as little design as possible”—became Gil’s guiding light.

As the world gets obsessed with more features, embellishments, and distractions, Gil’s work serves as a reminder that the best design often involves restraint.

The ability to edit and leave space is a skill that takes years to develop but is essential to creating timeless, effective work.

From Jack of All Trades to Master of One

Gil didn’t start out as a web design specialist. Initially, he was everywhere—illustration, graphic design, motion, web, video editing—you name it, he dabbled in it. But as his career progressed, he realized the power of focus. 

“Do you specialize or generalize?” is every creative’s million-dollar question. Gil’s journey suggests that while broad experience is valuable, there comes a point when deepening expertise in one area allows for greater creative freedom.

While I agree with the value of specialization, I believe that the rise of AI is shifting our industry in ways we can’t fully predict. We’re moving toward a future where a hybrid—someone who combines deep expertise with versatility—will thrive.

The era of the Master of Many is on the horizon.

The Wrap-Up

As we wrapped up, I asked Gil if he could put up a billboard up anywhere with anything on it, what would it say. His answers were:

1. Just take the first step 🏁

   “Don’t wait to start learning; dive in now.”
   

2. Everybody started as a noob 👶

   “Every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the learning curve.”
   

3. Enjoy the journey; look around sometimes 🛣️ 

   “Balance your ambitions with appreciation for where you are now.”
   

4. Find your passion ❤️

   “Pursue what ignites you, and success will follow.”

I would like to thank Gil, for sharing his insights and journey. His emphasis on simplicity, balance, and finding inspiration in everyday moments truly resonated with my approach to work.

You can follow Gil on Instagram, Dribbble, Twitter/X, and his website. He is super friendly, so feel free to drop him a DM and say hello.

I'll catch you in the next Note.

Mo. ✌️❤️