1
I have the opportunity to attend great lectures and hear the whys and hows of how people like Maira Kalman and Sam Potts do what they do so well. I have articles to read and ponder. I have archives to search for inspiration. I have resources for learning how to make my design practices more sustainable.
2
More practically, I have health insurance. I have a job board to search in this very rough economy. I have a member directory to search and put me in touch with other like-minded creatives in my area.