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Once a practical fix for small-size printing, ink traps are now a bold design statement. Designers exaggerate these notches to create typefaces with distinctive edges and personality, blending vintage functionality with a fresh, modern aesthetic that stands out in branding and packaging.

The July issue of the Creative Corner was fueled by exploration—digging into antique maps for A Vintage Affair 2026 and creating “discovery decks” for boating brands ready to make a splash. Exhibit pick: Bubble Planet , an immersive, joy-filled DC installation. Conference spotlight: CreativeMornings Baltimore on July 25, exploring archives and storytelling. Trend watch: ink traps as bold, modern type features. Designer to watch: UK logo visionary Made by James . Studio rec

Gradients are back with bold color shifts and texture-like effects. Brands are now using them as primary design elements, creating dynamic logos and engaging digital experiences. The trend blends fluid transitions with sharp typography or geometric shapes, balancing fluidity with structure to tell richer visual stories.

The June issue of the Creative Corner blends coastal inspiration with high-impact design and cultural celebration. Steph shares a studio update full of nostalgic rebranding, moodboards, and new launches—including a bold digital ad campaign advocating for broadband equity in West Virginia. It spotlights Solstice Saturday at the Smithsonian, the upcoming TypeCon typography conference, and the resurgence of bold, gradient-driven design. Plus, there's a summer playlist pick to ke

Doodles are evolving into intentional brand elements-moving from casual sketches to strategic visual tools. When thoughtfully integrated with typography and layout, they add personality and human touch, creating a curated sense of imperfection that feels authentic. No longer just playful accents, they now serve as core design elements that balance charm with professionalism.

The May issue of the Creative Corner dives into storytelling, nostalgia, and future-facing innovation. It spotlights the 50th anniversary celebration of Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard, a summer-long tribute to the iconic film. It also highlights CreativePro Week, a conference for design pros navigating an evolving creative landscape, and the rising trend of purposeful doodles in branding. This month’s artist pick features Spinweber Strategies, a leader in experience marketing, wh

Patterns are now a key part of brand identity, moving beyond backgrounds to create a cohesive, recognizable look. Custom designs-bold or subtle-add depth and personality across platforms, reinforcing brand values. From packaging to digital assets, patterns help brands stand out with a distinct and consistent visual language.

The April issue of the Creative Corner explores how creativity fuels connection and progress. It features the Glenstone Museum’s newly refreshed exhibits, the upcoming Creative Works West conference in Seattle, and a trend spotlight on the rising role of patterns in brand identity. Steph also highlights BERO, a beautifully designed non-alcoholic beer brand, and shares a recent ad campaign for Autos Drive America that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and economic impact. F

Surrealism collage design blends dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and symbolic elements to challenge reality and spark curiosity. Layering photography, illustration, and bold typography, it creates striking visuals for branding, editorial, and digital media. Floating objects, metamorphic elements, and unconventional colors transform the familiar into thought-provoking narratives.

This March issue of the Creative Corner celebrates cultural roots, imaginative design, and purpose-driven work. It spotlights the newly opened Go-Go Museum in D.C., dives into the upcoming Adobe Summit focused on customer experience and AI, and explores the surrealist collage trend reshaping visual storytelling. It also highlights Solex Coaching for goal-setting with intention and offers a peek into a thoughtful rebrand for a modern contracting company, where craftsmanship me

Inspired by plane tickets and product labels, utilitarian design turns technical drawings, part numbers, and barcodes into bold visuals. With a black-and-white palette and "maximal minimalism" ap-proach, it balances precision and com-plexity, shaping branding, packaging, and digital design.

This issue of the Creative Corner is all about hands-on creativity and bold design. It features interactive local art experiences from iCREATE DMV, a look ahead to the Creative South conference, and a trend spotlight on utilitarian design inspired by technical aesthetics. Plus, it highlights a fun printmaking kit called inkBlox and shares a behind-the-scenes peek at a refined, high-end real estate presentation redesign. For a full read, please go to: https://mailchi.mp/c604c8

In a world of chaos, less is more. In 2025, minimalism evolves with clean layouts, nuanced color palettes, and elegant backgrounds that enhance the main content without distraction. Thoughtful typography and purposeful white space make designs both engaging and sophisticated.

This issue of the Creative Corner kicks off the new year with a fresh wave of inspiration—highlighting a must-see LEGO art exhibit in D.C., a new conference for freelancers, a spotlight on minimalist typography as a key 2025 design trend, and a design-forward restaurant pick. It also celebrates the one-year anniversary of Schweitzer Designs and shares a behind-the-scenes look at recent work for a meaningful nonprofit event. For a full read, please go to: https://mailchi.mp/3d