A month ago, March 8th was International Women‘s Day. I read about its history again, its beginnings, and its growth into a global commemoration. I have distinctive memories of the late 1960s and early 1970s, of TV ads, shows, and movies in which women portrayed womanhood as it played out in society, especially regarding professions: nurses, teachers, secretaries, and assistants. In my last post, I talked about typography as poetry, describing my brief exposure to commercial art through my neighbor. At the time, I mentioned my interest to some of my older friends. They discouraged me from purs ..read more

In an era where design intertwines ever more intricately with progress, Conran Design Group ushers in a transformative phase by launching its new identity. Conran Design Group (CDG), a prominent brand and design consultancy under Havas — one of the world’s largest global communications groups — has unveiled a distinctive new brand identity. Positioned as Havas’ flagship brand and design network, CDG introduces an exciting purpose: design to inspire progress. This purpose is not just a tagline but a guiding philosophy shaping every aspect of Conran Design Group’s identity. The brand adopts a ..read more

After enduring a hectic few weeks, I welcomed the opportunity to immerse myself in an afternoon of creativity and inspiration. Like many, I’m guilty of using the “work is too busy” excuse instead of prioritizing time to get outside and smell the coffee. Thus, on a recent and radiant Sunday afternoon, I headed to the COLLINS office in Williamsburg for their monthly Coffeehaus event. Coffeehaus at COLLINS hosts a monthly communal gathering for people from all walks of life who share the goal of simply showing up to experience creative community. March’s event featured a conversation, b ..read more

From the depths of the ocean to the heights of the Himalayas, National Geographic has invited readers to explore the furthest reaches of human knowledge and imagination since 1888. The iconic logo — a rectangular, yellow frame created by Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv in 1997 — has become synonymous with science, culture, and exploration, converging in a tapestry of intriguing stories and breathtaking photography. Since its founding, National Geographic, or NatGeo for short, has evolved into a multifaceted platform spanning print, digital, television, and more, exploring science, geograp ..read more

Few things embody the spirit of New York quite like freshly baked bagels, especially if they are from beloved H&H Bagels. For half a century, this iconic establishment has been a staple of the city’s culinary landscape, gracing the screens of TV shows and movies and earning a reputation for its irresistible bagels. Featured in Seinfeld, The Office, Sex in the City, How I Met Your Mother, You’ve Got Mail, Entourage, and countless others, H&H is one of the most copied brands – imitated by major bagel brands and mom-and-pop shops. Founded in 1972 on the Upper West Side, H&H Bagels has ..read more

Female-founded, independent creative company JOAN has unveiled its new brand identity, marking a significant milestone since its inception in 2016. Known for transforming clients and team members into modern legends, JOAN understands the importance of ensuring every aspect of its brand reflects the badassery of its creators. With this ethos in mind, they introduced a fresh identity rooted in inclusivity and revolution. In the process of rebranding, JOAN recognized the multitude of stories yet told. While striving for a gender-neutral system, they also acknowledge the intrinsic role gender pl ..read more

For years, I had an uncomfortable desk chair. My body knew exactly how long I sat in it every day. It was too short and too hard, the back was too low, and it rolled away from my desk on an uneven floor. It was badly designed. I noticed everything about that chair. All the time. As Bruce Mau proclaimed in Massive Change, “Design is invisible until it fails.” But when it does fail, paradoxically, ‘bad’ design can be profoundly good. I’ve thought about that chair more than any other chair I’ve ever sat in. It stood as a testament to the idea that we pay more attention to those experiences that c ..read more

I’m a white, cis-gender woman, far removed from college life, so I recognize the irony of delving into Adraint Bereal’s photographic exploration of the lives of Black college students. But for my role in higher education at the School of Visual Arts, understanding these perspectives is essential. As per the introduction in Adraint Bereal’s book, I’m taking to heart, “In all thy getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The difference between knowledge and wisdom is perspective. Knowledge is being informed; wisdom is understanding what it should mean to you. Bereal’s work, encapsulated in&nbs ..read more

Go.Compare, the UK’s renowned price comparison website, has undergone a fun and energetic transformation spearheaded by Ragged Edge, a London-based creative agency known for its bright and bold branding strategies. Founded in November 2006 by a team of insurance experts, Go.Compare has long been recognized for its meticulous approach to comparing various products and services, including insurance policies, financial products, energy tariffs, and more. Unlike traditional comparison sites, Go.Compare distinguished itself by prioritizing the display of policy details alongside prices, setting a n ..read more

From a local gem to a global force, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) unveiled its first significant brand update in over a decade. This refresh encompasses a refined brand strategy marking a new era for NYBG — with the focus on strengthening ties with the local community while extending environmental efforts globally. NYBG partnered with Wolff Olins to evolve its visual identity to reflect this vision while respecting its long history. The central idea behind the updated brand is encapsulated in the phrase “Do right by nature,” highlighting NYBG’s commitment to studying, protecti ..read more