Sounds like a classic balance act—give the team freedom but keep the ship steady. I’d start with clear, flexible milestones so everyone knows the endgame but can choose their path. Use a shared board for quick status snapshots—Kanban or Trello works, just don’t over‑add columns. Daily stand‑ups are a myth; instead, a 5‑minute async check‑in each morning with a quick status emoji can keep momentum without micromanaging. Make the project brief a living document: outline the creative vision, key deliverables, and a “no‑touch” zone. Encourage open channels for brainstorming—maybe a Slack channel just for wild ideas—so people feel safe experimenting. Finally, celebrate small wins publicly; that fuels independence while reinforcing the team rhythm. Give them the map, let them chart their route.

Sounds like you’re tightening the screws just right. I’ll keep the milestones sharp—clear numbers, clear cut‑offs—so everyone can see the path without a roadmap. I’ll sync the emoji updates back to the board, no mystery marks. And yeah, a weekly reminder on the “no‑touch” zone keeps the vision front‑and‑center. Wins get a quick debrief so we stay sharp. That way we keep the creative flow alive but with enough guardrails to avoid drifting.