In the last two weeks, I spoke at Phoenix Design Week (AZ) and Circles Conference (TX), and y’all, the magic. Fantastic events, inspiring speakers, outstanding and supportive communities of creatives.

Rather than doing a big grandiose synopsis (that’s LinkedIn’s job), I’m sharing some of my favorite quotes from these events. My hope is that they inspire you or offer some food for thought to end your week inspired:

“You can’t change a place by leaving.” – Eric Torres (@ericimagines) in reference to creatives and their community.

“Look at your motivation. How you motivate yourself and why.” – Jonny Arvizu (@jonarvizu). I loved Johnny’s Q&A and seeing another creative talk about deeper motivation in their work beyond external feedback.

“Demonstrate your value at all interactions.” – Emily Cohen (@emilyruthcohen) on how designers can become more strategic in their work.

“Go back to your early work and compare it to your recent work. You’ll see your true trajectory.” – Matt Dawson (@staygrayponyboy). Great advice to not lose sight of the progress you’ve made in your work, career, etc.

“Just ask, even when it seems scary.” – Allan Peters (@allanpeters). How often do we hold ourselves back from asking the honest question?

And lastly,

“It’s a good day to start something.” – Jason Craig (@jasonthe29th). In-dang-deed it is. Don’t wait — start the thing, take the leap, go for it. No better time than now.

Stay inspired,

Creative Director

L I N K   R O U N D   U P

1. From Japan to India — The Woodblock Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida
Considered a master of the Japanese woodblock art movement known as shin-hanga, Hiroshi Yoshida’s extensive travels combine the traditional medium with global sites. For our park-going readers, don’t miss his depictions of a few U.S. National Parks.

2. A Taipei City Design Studio Is Recreating Historic Mosaic Tiles Found Throughout Taiwan
We love looking to the past for inspiration, and these mosaic tiles from Taiwan have us itching to create a modular mosaic identity. Any takers?

3. Microsoft Brings Skeuomorphism Back?
The oversaturation of flat, vector illustrations in tech (see: Corporate Memphis) has pushed Microsoft to course-correct with their new illustration style. Skeuomorphism is the digital mimicking its real-life counterpart; think of the legal pad design of the old Notes app. Microsoft’s Fluent illustrations aren’t that literal, but it’s always interesting to observe the pendulum of design trends.

4. How to Strengthen Your Curiosity Muscle
“Building our curiosity muscle is essential because it will aid in the efficiency of leadership, enables continual learning, and because it’s a sought after skill by employers. Like any muscle, to strengthen it, you must activate and exercise it.”

C R E A T I V E   S P O T L I G H T

Screenshot from Public.Work

“Public Work is a search engine for public domain content. Explore 100,000+ copyright-free images from The MET, New York Public Library, and other sources.” (If you need us, we’ll just be here, scrolling for all eternity.)

N O W   H I R I N G

I N   C A S E   Y O U   M I S S E D   I T

1. Irwin Rebrand Debrief

Learn how brand archetypes started Irwin’s brand project off on a high note with VP of Marketing Melissa Homère.

2. NoCodeOps Case Study

See how we worked with the NoCodeOps team to pivot away from the product positioning trap and into an acquisition from Zapier.

3. NoCodeOps Rebrand Debrief

Hear about NoCodeOps’ rebrand experience firsthand as CEO Philip Lakin chats with Focus Lab’s Bill Kenney. They tackle the strategy behind tough brand architecture decisions and their company’s success using a community-based approach as a SaaS company.

F O L L O W   U S