Ethos
As artists, designers and advisors with global perspectives, we direct every action, idea and creative decision towards more sustainable and socially responsible outcomes.
The underlying sentiment informing our work and our pursuits can be summed up pretty simply: we like sharing. But rather than post all our favorite shortcuts, how-tos and widgets (check our blog for that), we’ve decided to keep a running list of things we’ve learned and stuff that shapes our studio:
- The path you make (not take) should be new and daring. Don’t be afraid of risk—or failure.
- Look for tangible ways to demonstrate good design’s importance in business—and its positive impact on everyday life—to all the nondesigners you know.
- Design from the heart first, then from the head. If a person can’t relate to your work on an emotional/visceral level first, they will find their own ways to justify + rationalize it themselves.
- Personal projects outside of work keep you inspired and creative. Exploring off the clock and independent of budgets opens you up to new methods and tools.
- Take classes, develop your skills, hone your craft.
- Volunteering > Donating
- Take risks but not credit. Break bread but not hearts. Make friends but not millions.
- Draw more. Print less.
- Travel often. Whether on holiday or at an out of town conference, experiencing life beyond your home town is infinitely better than any education you’ll get from reading about it. If you’re on vacation, ditch the itinerary at least one day and get totally sidetracked.
- All Hail Seitan! Vegetable protein, tofu and other meat substitutes rule. Experiment!
- Soymilk + champagne. Keep them both fully stocked (just not mixed).
- Invite outside influence—in. Collaborate with non-designers and traditional fine artists for new perspectives.
- Only work with people you respect. Sharing your knowledge and skills with like-minded organizations makes it easy to believe in the work you do and in the clients you work with.
- Analyze your clients’ work and how it affects humanity and the environment. Suggest ways to make those efforts more sustainable and less expensive. Then everyone wins.
- Go on a giving spree.