February Newsletter: Creative Corner— iCreate DMV, Creative South 2025, Utilitarian Design Trends & Fresh Branding Work

The February edition of Creative Corner is all about hands-on creativity and design that blends precision with play. From immersive art experiences in the DMV to emerging 2025 design trends, this issue highlights the inspiration, tools, and ideas shaping the creative world as we ease into the new year.

We begin with iCreate DMV, a unique collection of four interactive art experiences that invite visitors to experiment with color, movement, and unconventional tools. From paint-filled balloon splatters on spinning canvases to fluid art sculptures, urban wall-painting at The Rec Room, and the mesmerizing craft of water-marbling scarves, each activity offers an inventive, joy-filled way to make something truly personal to take home.

Next, our Conference Spotlight turns to Creative South, happening April 10–12, 2025 in Columbus, GA. Featuring well-loved designers like James Barnard and Allan Peters, this conference is known for its warm community, inspiring talks, and fireside conversations that spark momentum. It’s a must-attend event for creatives seeking fresh perspective, mentorship, and genuine connection.

In this month’s 2025 Design Trend Spotlight, we explore the rise of Utilitarian Style—a design direction inspired by plane tickets, product labels, and technical documentation. This trend transforms part numbers, barcodes, and engineering-style typography into bold, striking identities. With its “maximal minimalism” aesthetic and signature black-and-white palette, utilitarian design is rapidly influencing branding, packaging, and digital interfaces across industries.

Our Artist Pick highlights inkBlox, an all-in-one printmaking kit that turns illustrations into pixelated, stamp-style prints. Fun, endlessly reusable, and great for creatives of all ages, inkBlox brings a tactile, experimental layer back into personal artmaking—perfect for group activities, workshops, or a quiet weekend project.

In What’s in the Oven, we share a recently redesigned listing presentation for a luxury real estate agent. Crafted with thoughtful storytelling, elevated layouts, and high-quality print production, the piece demonstrates how intentional design can transform a sales tool into a memorable brand experience—particularly in high-end markets where visual polish is everything.

Rich with design inspiration, DMV art highlights, creative industry events, trend forecasts, and branding insights, the February edition of Creative Corner sets a strong creative tone for the months ahead.