One desk, no layers.
I design identities, print and packaging on my own, from this desk, and I work with the printer myself. You deal with the person doing the work, and the work gets put on a wall.
Two directions rather than six, one typeface rather than three, and a proof on the real stock before anything is signed off. If a job is not mine, I say so and suggest someone.
Brief, two directions, one pushed hard, the printer.
You are in the room for the calls that matter and nowhere near the ones that do not.
Brief
A call about the problem, the audience and what success actually looks like. Written up and agreed.
Concepts
Two directions, presented with the reasoning rather than just the pictures.
Refinement
The strongest one, pushed. Two rounds, with you in the room for the decisions.
Handover
Final files, working formats, a proof from the printer, and a short guide.
Taking on new projects.
Scope, timing and a budget range if you have one. I reply to everything within two working days, including the declines.
One person, start to finish. No account managers.