Muses

Creativity can be an elusive and frustrating word. Elusive because its meaning changes depending on who is using it (an engineer, a fashion designer, an elementary school teacher, a graphic designer); and, frustrating because when creativity is demanded it is sometime hard to realize. How do advertisers regularly execute impactful, unique communications? How do fashion gurus design new collections each season? Continue Reading...

Do you remember in middle school and the early years of high school how most teachers assigned book reports and research papers that had to be at least 10 pages long? Then towards the end of high school and as an undergraduate, teachers started requesting assignments that were more succinct – 3-5 pages max. As an MBA student and a professional my professors and managers demanded even more condensed written assignments and reports. The new trend in web creation takes on this concise spirit. Legitimate, informative single-page websites are becoming more prevalent. Here is why: Continue Reading...

Most of us do not enjoy the company of someone who always seems to bring the conversation back to him or herself – you know, an “all about me” type. So, why are most company websites all about the company? What about flipping the conversation to be mostly about the customer and then a little about the company? Continue Reading...

My new favorite podcast 99% Invisible recently aired an episode about stamp design. Little known fact: this breast cancer stamp was the first stamp that raised money for a cause. How much money did this stamp raise? Over $70 Million! Proof that effective graphic design can come in a small package. With the help of a [...] Continue Reading...

Business cards made their first appearance in 15th century China and then again in 17th century Europe. According to Designer-Daily, 17th century Europe business cards were “used to announce the impending arrival of prosperous or aristocratic people to their local town or even their home.” 17th century English merchants also used business cards to advertise their businesses. Continue Reading...

Bob Marley earned over $1 billion in worldwide sales from 2009-2012. Well, his estate did. Marketers see the value of a deceased celebrity’s legacy, and if tastefully done, can profitably continue to celebrate a celebrity’s brand. Continue Reading...

Fast Company published a list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Continue Reading...

All design teachers advocate carrying a sketchbook around with you where ever you go. Only issue is where do you keep said notebook without having a bulging pocket. This Hankie Pocketbook is a stylish and quirky solution. Continue Reading...

As most of you know, I joined a coworking space this past September. I can't stress enough the value of sharing an office with other creative professionals who own their own businesses. Continue Reading...

Leonardo de Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Simple can be an oxymoron. More often than not, being simple is actually very complex, especially in Continue Reading...