What is it about graphic design that moves us and drives us?  The image above says it all: design ignites change.

But how has design itself changed over the past decade? “Graphic design has broadened its reach dramatically over the past decade,” which has become the basis of an international exhibition on display at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN until January 2012: Graphic Design: Now In Production.

The exhibit examined the growing cultural role in mainstream design and the designer’s expanding role in content creation as well as in bridging the gap across once exclusive fields and roles, such as typeface design, product design, animation, and more. Read the rest of the entry >

We all have times in our careers when we are driven by excitement and passion, and we all have times when work becomes a little more mundane. What is it that makes the difference?

All of us can admit to feeling the ebb and flow of this spectrum. When we took our first steps out of college campuses and into our first gigs, our new careers were (somewhat frightening) combinations of lack of experience and fearless desire to change the world. A few years into it though, and maybe the world isn’t much better yet for all the experience we’ve put in. Or maybe the day-in and day-out is getting under our skin a bit. Certain projects bring back the twinge of excitement we felt at first. Others may not. This is fine so long as they balance each other out.

However, if the “other” types of projects are winning the battle and leaving you feeling a little burnt out, I have a question for you. This question has helped me during these times.

Do you believe in what you do?

This isn’t the type of question you ask yourself when you have 30 seconds or so to think about it. It’s a gloves-off type of question between you and your heart. Between you and your college self who dreamed the dreams that resulted in where you are today.

Read the rest of the entry >

It’s no secret that we designers (and other people with desk jobs) sit a lot. Upwards of 10 hours a day for most people if you count commute and maybe a little TV or additional computer time. And the fact is that, as our secret hunches tell us, sitting isn’t so good for us. A large-scale study by the American Cancer Society and a compilation of other research by MedicalBillingAndCoding.org show some pretty sobering statistics about the long-term toll sitting takes on human bodies. And both of these studies show that exercise doesn’t necessarily offset the risks of long periods of sitting (another excuse to skip the gym in the morning?).

But let’s not be a Debbie Downer…let’s talk about what we can do about it! After reading the studies above as well as receiving a few kind suggestions from my doctor, I started researching some lifestyle changes that would help. I stumbled on the GeekDesk – a motorized adjustable desk that goes from sitting to standing height at the push of a button. The adjustable height feature is important because standing for 10 hours isn’t exactly easy, so a strictly standing desk wouldn’t work (at least for me). I just received the desk a week ago and have been loving it so far. Assembly was easy and I was up and running in no time.

Desk at sitting height:

Desk at standing height:

If you decide to try an adjustable desk, there are a few fun tools to help you track your standing stamina. Standing Clock is a Google-based interface that lets you track your time spent standing. So far I’ve been standing between 3-5 hours a day, and plan to increase that time to 6 or 7 hours within a month. The only big change I’ve made to use this desk is slipping on a pair of comfy shoes for the standing portions of the day. Overall I am loving the experience and will report back in a month to let you all know how it goes.

What do you think? Would you like the option to stand for part of your workday? Any other suggestions for developing a healthy workspace? We’d love to hear your ideas.

You already know this, but it’s worth taking a step back and mentioning again. When it comes down to it, your business is based on one very important thing: relationship. The relationships that you maintain both between your employees (or coworkers) and your clients are crucial to the success of your company. Without one or the other, your business would crumble.

One thing that’s essential to maintaining those relationships is taking time away from work to kick back and just get to know one another better. Time spent intentionally developing that relationship will create rapport on a personal level that will multiply productivity in the workplace.

With that in mind, we’re suggesting five work-free outings that are intended to strengthen or build those relationships.

Outings with Employees:

- Serve together. Try a local food pantry, shelter, hospital, or school. Giving of your time together will give your team something in common other than work projects.

- Play together. Take a vote for a fun non-skilled sporting or competitive activity that won’t single non-athletic team members out, such as bowling, laser tag, paintball, etc.

- Celebrate together. Don’t let a birthday or other milestone go buy without celebrating the unique aspects of your team member.

- Relax together. Go see a movie, a concert, a sporting event, go to a gallery, or try a new restaurant together.

- Dream together. Spend an afternoon talking about company goals and finding out what it is your employees dream about in their careers. How can you work together to make it happen?

Note: if possible, shut down your office for an afternoon and do your team-building activity during work hours. This will show your employees that you value their time and offer them a reserved space within work hours.

Outings with Clients:

- Serve together: Especially if your client is closely involved with a non-profit, give it a try and show them you support the same cause they do.

- Play together: Go to a sporting event together or get your entire teams together and do any of the above. If your client is a foodie, try a cooking competition – Iron Chef style.

- Celebrate together. If your client has had a big milestone that’s worth celebrating, show them you care by taking notice. Treat them to their favorite restaurant.

Note: find out what your clients love, and even if it’s something your team isn’t wild about it, give it a shot. It will show your client that you’re willing to learn something new and maybe your team will end up being inspired by something new.

Another note: Remember, this is really about getting to know your client. Take the time to find out something new about them in the process.

What do you think? What are your favorite non-work activities with clients or employees? Let us know in the comments.