Design Strategy
Can I just Shoot it on My iPhone?
I was recently wrapping up a meeting with the Vice President of Marketing for a startup here in Silicon Valley. As we were ending our meeting, my client commented, “I really need a headshot, can you take on really quickly on my iPhone?” I paused, and answered: “No.” My client pushed back, “I…
Read MoreDesigning AND Drawing: Can Your Designer Do Both?
Have you ever met a person who is an amazing cook? Someone who could turn an ordinary meal into a succulent dining experience in her own home? As you’re finishing the first course, you are already salivating over what kind of delectable dessert she has come up with to finish off the meal. Then she…
Read More“When You’re Done Laughing, Can You Help?”
One of my long-time clients asked me this just last week. We are currently engaged in a larger project together, involving more complex graphic design solutions and the art direction of her website, but another hot item came up and she reached out. Here’s the gist of her email: I’m wondering if I could tack…
Read MoreThe Biggest Mistake I Almost Made…
As I was putting the finishing touches on my Creative Brief Toolkit, I had that sinking feeling that I was omitting an important item. And yet, at 26 pages, it was already feeling complete. So I dug through my original notes and there it was: Key Contacts — the missing piece. I understand that this may…
Read MoreYour Project’s Success Starts with One Thing — the Creative Brief
Time and again my most successful projects have started out with one thing: the creative brief. It is tempting to jump into a project without crafting this vital document — the creative brief takes a bit of time and you are under countless deadlines — but it is a vital first step. The time spent…
Read More“What is Design Strategy, Anyway?”
“What is design strategy, anyways?” This was the question posed to me the other day. “I like the sound of it, but what does it mean, exactly?” Here’s the definition I shared: At the most basic level, design strategy is the balance between design needs and business strategy. It is the process of taking a…
Read MoreA New Graphic Design Blog is Added to the World
I love new beginnings. They’re full of opportunity and promise. A new day. A new book. A new website. Today is a huge new beginning for me — my first blog post is now live and well on the internet for all to see. Exciting. (and a tad scary, if I am completely honest with…
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