January Newsletter: Creative Corner— The Wave, SXSW 2026, Illustrated Icon Trends & a High-Performance Start to the Year

The January edition of Creative Corner opens the year with momentum, optimism, and a clear creative point of view. With 2026 officially underway, this issue sets the tone for what’s ahead—design that feels tactile, expressive, and intentional, backed by strong strategy and thoughtful storytelling.

We begin with The Wave, a full-scale installation at the National Building Museum that explores the future of architectural systems through hands-on experimentation. Designed by Tonya Ohnstad and a multidisciplinary team, the exhibit offers an inside look at how structure, material, and collaboration intersect—making it a must-see for designers, architects, and future-focused creatives.

Our Conference Spotlight turns to SXSW 2026, returning to Austin with its signature blend of innovation, culture, design, music, and film. With hundreds of sessions, immersive brand activations, and cross-disciplinary conversations, SXSW remains one of the most influential stages for understanding where creativity, technology, and storytelling are headed next.

In Trend Watch, we explore the rise of illustrated icons—a shift away from purely flat UI toward expressive, character-driven visuals that add warmth and personality to digital experiences. Inspired by early internet iconography but refined for modern systems, this trend signals a broader move toward human-centered design where even small interface elements carry emotional weight.

This month’s Design Resource highlights Inspiration Grid, a go-to destination for curated creative work across branding, typography, packaging, UX/UI, illustration, and photography. It’s a daily dose of global inspiration and trend awareness for creatives looking to sharpen their visual instincts.

Our Studio Rec brings some levity and joy with the award-winning Good Hang podcast, hosted by Amy Poehler. Recently taking home the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Podcast, it’s a reminder that great storytelling—no matter the medium—still leads with humanity, humor, and connection.

In What’s in the Oven, the studio kicks off the year with a bold digital ad series for Holley Performance Brands, promoting a Dinan exhaust upgrade for the BMW X5 M/X6 M. Using sound-wave textures, restrained typography, and Dinan’s signature red, the campaign translates performance and power into a clean, high-impact visual language.

The issue closes with studio openings for early 2026, inviting brands ready to build, refine, or launch something meaningful this year to start the conversation early—because strong creative outcomes begin with thoughtful alignment.

Rich with design trends, creative inspiration, conference insights, digital storytelling, and studio updates, this January edition of Creative Corner sets a confident, energized foundation for the year ahead.