The design community is a society of architects, interior designers, fashion designers, engineers, developers, contractors, artists and artisans who do remarkable work. I connect these inspired individuals and support the growth of their creative endeavors. I write about their successful careers and noteworthy projects. I brainstorm, research, listen and learn. I get to know my subject, understand the target audience and then carefully select words to create a story.
Every professional and every project has a story. I want to tell yours.
July 19th, 2010
It’s Monday, and I am already looking forward to the weekend. This Friday is Milwaukee’s summer Gallery Night. It is one of my favorite events, and two of my favorite artists make a trip out on the town well worth it. Jennifer Espenscheid / The Soma Gallery and Jeremy Shamrowicz / Flux Design come together for a collaborative show: SomaFlux - Provocative to the Core - on the second floor of Swig (217 N. Broadway). Visit www.thesomagallery.com and www.thinkflux.com to learn more about my creative colleagues and be sure to stop by Friday night.
If your summer schedule is already full and you want a sneak peek, then stop by Swig this Wednesday, July 21st from 5:30-8:30 pm - The complete Gallery of SomaFlux work will be viewable @ www.thesomagallery.com after the party.
Keep an eye out for the 5th Annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show brochure on Gallery Night - the show comes to the Harley-Davidson Museum (at The Garage) October 2 & 3. It is another chance for you to see work from The Soma Gallery, Flux and many other talented artisans - www.finefurnishingsshow.com
Posted in Articles of Interest, Creative Colleagues, Design Resources, Industry Events, Inspiration, Networking | No Comments »
July 13th, 2010
When the nation is in an economic crisis and the unemployment line grows longer day by day, it is easy to blame the world for our problems–let’s be honest–the world is full of problems, economic and otherwise. However, day after day newspapers and magazines share little rays of hope–the success stories of those who have overcome the state of the economy and the unemployment line. While each person has different challenges to overcome and a unique way of rising to these challenges, they all have one thing in common - they are committed to succeeding and embracing change to create a better future for themselves. In The Retail Doctor’s Guide To Growing Your Business, Bob Phibbs (The Retail Doctor) says, “You can’t use external circumstances like the economy as an excuse to not change - You are the one thing that can have maximum effectiveness - The only thing standing in the way of succeeding is you.” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Design Resources, Design Students, Down to Business | No Comments »
April 19th, 2010
Don’t miss designMMoCA at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art April 23 - May 2, 2010 - “Break Convention. Build Curiosity.” This special interior design showcase features sixteen design teams and works of art from the museum’s permanent collection. The art serves as the design inspiration for the unique living, dining, sleeping and working spaces completed by the selected teams.
The Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show has collaborated with the museum for this year’s show. So, be sure to look for items provided by some of the Fine Furnishings’ exhibitors.
The contributing designers and architects include:
Aga Artka Interior Design LLC
Architectural Design Consultants, Inc.
Bungalow Pros and Scenic Interiors
Carley & Carley
Deb Corning Interiors, Inc.
Driftmier Design LLC
Dybdahl’s Classic Kitchens
Flad Architects
Fontaine
Inner View
InteriorLOGIC Facility Planning
JG Development, Inc.
Karen Claffey-Koller Interior Design
Linville Architects
Strang, Inc.
Zander’s Interiors, Inc.
Join in the fun - Come “See Rooms Become Art.”
Visit www.mmoca.org for more information.
Posted in Creative Colleagues, Industry Events, Inspiration | No Comments »
February 10th, 2010
Have you seen the new and improved ASID - Wisconsin Chapter website? www.asidwi.org It was launched this week after an announcement at the Wisconsin Chapter of ASID Design Awards Gala on Friday night. Which is more great news… The award winners are posted on-line with links to fabulous photos of the award winning projects. Take a minute to check out the site and see some of the incredible work by our local ASID designers. Check out the calendar for upcoming events too. I will be speaking at Career Day in Madison - see you there!
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February 1st, 2010
I have always thought about writing a book, but I just can’t seem to find the right topic or the right words. And then you read something and think - What a great idea! …And are inspired by the words the author assembled to communicate such a universal message.
A friend and colleague, Abbey Algiers, has recently created The Great Search — A short book with inspiring words about love accompanied by exquisite photos (taken by her husband Eric).
I believe every woman can relate to this book and the journey it describes.
Take a minute to check out the YouTube video and then buy the book for you and your friends… whether or not you have been lucky enough to find love…
the secret to finding love
Posted in Creative Colleagues, Inspiration, Writing | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
When it comes to creative professions, you spend so much time being creative for others and focusing on their marketing efforts, you don’t always leave time for yourself. So, when you take the time to update your own materials and focus on your marketing efforts… you deserve a little pat on the back.
Tricia Shay of Tricia Shay Photography - www.shayphoto.com - has an updated website and has joined the blogging world. So, if you haven’t been to her site in awhile or are not familiar with her work, check it out. Happy Blogging Tricia!
And then there is my friend, and the creator of my brand, Suzy Rohan. From Milwaukee to New York to Chicago, Suzy has been an entrepreneur long in the making. She has finally made the leap. From graphics to photography, she has an array of creative services to offer - www.lilyreddesigns.com. And of course she has a blog too… lilyredlife.blogspot.com. Best of Luck Suzy!
Who are your Creative Colleagues? Feel free to share them with us.
Posted in Creative Colleagues, Design Resources, Down to Business, Inspiration, Networking | No Comments »
January 22nd, 2010
After months of debate - Mac vs. PC - I finally made the switch. And while I have so much to learn in the new Mac world, I am truly loving every minute of it. Maybe it was just time for a change and a challenge or maybe I was just tired of virus after virus.
For those still struggling with the debate, I am here to say I made the leap. As I learn new things, you may see a blog entry or two sharing my new found knowledge. My tips won’t be for the computer pros, rather for those who just want a stress-free day getting the job done.
A special thanks to Aga (@agartka) and Brian (@bartka) Artka for helping me along the way…and if you don’t know who they are… a quick trip to Twitter and LinkedIn will get you connected with this creative, tech-savvy, power couple!
Posted in Creative Colleagues, Down to Business, Lovin' My Mac | No Comments »
January 15th, 2010
I have said it once — or twice– but I will say it again, Jennifer Espenscheid is a talented artist; you have to check out her work!
Tonight was Milwaukee ’s Winter Gallery Night, and Jennifer’s work against the backdrop of the incredible Iron Horse Hotel was the perfect way to spend an evening.
Since I am her friend and help promote her work, you may think I am a little biased, so you be the judge. Check it out online — www.thesomagallery.com — or swing by the Iron Horse Hotel while her work is still on display. If you haven’t been to the hotel yet, you are missing one of Milwaukee’s hot spots.
Posted in Creative Colleagues, Design Resources, Industry Events | No Comments »
January 4th, 2010
Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2010? As a child, I remember how we imagined 2010 to be more of a Jetson’s type world. While we have many electronic devices that have changed the landscape of our homes and business lives, we thankfully–I hope–have some time before we are zipping around in the air and arriving home to the loving embrace of our robot maid. But I digress…
I hope that 2010 offers a bit of calmness to everyone’s life and that the business world begins to settle in a way that brings jobs to the unemployed. As a small business, I feel fortunate to have survived the crazy economy so far…I work diligently to make sure that continues. I feel a shift in attitude and energy that will redefine “Corporate America”.
For those finding their footing in the entrepreneurial world - I congratulate you! And for those who have maintained a position in a larger company, I hope you are appreciated for your hard work or have the opportunity to go someplace where you will be appreciated.
2010 is about passion and persistence. Find the work you want to do, be thankful for it and love every minute of it. Best of luck to all!
Keep networking and digging deep within yourself to find what personally and professionally makes you happy. There will be bumps in the road, but stay true to yourself. Success is within your reach. The next ten years will fly by…and who knows…by 2020 we may be saying hello to a Jetson’s way of life.
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
October 20th, 2009
From Milwaukee to Providence, The Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show is exposing the Midwest and East Coast to exquisite furnishings, art, accessories and much, much more. Visit www.finefurnishingsshows.com for details on this weekend’s Providence show or to search for your favorite exhibitor.
The holidays are just around the corner…a new table, bed, rug or painting could be the perfect present for someone you love…or a great gift for your wish list.
Posted in Design Resources, Industry Events, Inspiration | No Comments »
