Summer Design Book List, Buzz-Worthy Brands, and Artists to Know

Go vintage with us this month in The Hart Beat, explore high-end brands we came across this month doing design proud, more artists that make us go “YEH!” and grab a pen to jot down our list of creative summer reads that are waiting to be devoured.

Summer Design Reads

With Summer knocking at our door, it’s a great time to start building a reading list to keep the creative juices flowing and stay out of the heat (Las Vegas local here–It gets hot). So, for May here are five books on our design and art-related reading to-do list. In no particular order:

Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide By John Cleese Buy it

A collection of reflections about the creative life and process of famous comedian John Cleese. The tone of the text is just as insightful as it is entertaining. While Cleese brings the humor and levity you would expect of him, he also treats his subject with reverence and provides intelligent and practical advice for living and working creatively. The author drops nuggets and knowledge that are useful and applicable to all creative processes and professions. For example, overcome panic in the early stages of the process, steer clear of cockiness, and ask for second opinions. Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide is a speed read that lives up to its title by delivering concise truths about the creative process.

“The greatest killer of creativity is an interruption. It pulls your mind away from what you want to be thinking about. Research has shown that, after an interruption, it can take eight minutes for you to return to your previous state of consciousness, and up to twenty minutes to get back into a state of deep focus.”

Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind By Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire Buy it A scientific journey into the creative mind. The chapters explore common traits of highly creative people, such as passion, intuition, sensitivity, and the ability to channel adversity into art. The text also touches on the messiness of many historical figures’ lives and processes, such as Picasso, David Foster Wallace, and Frida Kahlo. The book sets out to explore and explain seeming contradictions between what we as a society understand about creativity and how the trait manifests. Wired to Create is a quest to understand the hyper-inventive mind and a bid to pinpoint the qualities that make creatives tick and thrive.

“The common strands that seemed to transcend all creative fields was an openness to one’s inner life, a preference for complexity and ambiguity, an unusually high tolerance for disorder and disarray, the ability to extract order from chaos, independence, unconventionality, and a willingness to take risks.”

Jean Jullien

Buy It The debut monograph on the globally-lauded artist, filled with his joyful, witty paintings, illustrations, collaborations, and more – includes never-before-seen artwork and personal sketchbooks, giving insight into his artistic practice. Jean Jullien’s work is instantly recognizable and wide in its scope. Known for his astutely observed and witty depictions of everyday life, his illustrations place expressive characters in relatable environments and act as a visual commentary on life. Organized in three sections – Personal, Collaboration, and Public – this fulsome book explores Jullien’s approach to art and covers his expansive career, from his earliest creative partnerships to his progression into painting, while also offering a first-hand look at his process with sketches and never-before-seen works. Unique and comprehensive in its scope, this is a must-have book for every fan of Jullien's work.

The War Of Art: Break Through Your Blocks & Win Your Inner Battles by Steven Pressfield

This one gets recommended to me every year. 2022 is the year I read it! Who’s with me?

Buy it Think of The War of Art as tough love...for yourself.

Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat "resistance"; to recognize and knock down dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us. Resistance kicks everyone's butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal. The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.

Though it was written for writers, it has been embraced by business entrepreneurs, actors, dancers, painters, photographers, filmmakers, military service members, and thousands of others around the world.

Abstract City

By Christoph Niemann

Buy it

If you know me. You know I am a huge Christoph Niemann fan and also a lover of all things New York City (how cliché, I know, but at least I’m honest). This book came out in 2008 but I don’t own any Niemann books –So, it’s making the list this year!

In July 2008, illustrator and designer Christoph Niemann began Abstract City, a visual blog for the New York Times. His posts were inspired by the desire to re-create simple and everyday observations and stories from his own life that everyone could relate to. In Niemann’s hands, mundane experiences such as riding the subway or trying to get a good night’s sleep were transformed into delightful flights of visual fancy. The struggle to keep up with housework became a battle against adorable but crafty goblins, and nostalgia about New York manifested in simple but strikingly spot-on LEGO creations. This brilliantly illustrated collection of reflections on modern life includes all 16 of the original blog posts as well as a new chapter created exclusively for the book.

What are we missing? Dm us @harthousecreative with your book suggestions! We’re always seeking to add to our list as well.

Author/Editor: Jennifer Hart

Hart Beat

“It is easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new.”

Tony Visconti

Antiques fascinate me. Every piece has a story behind it. The essence of a personal brand could be encapsulated in one of these small objects that once belonged and now is found to be made anew. A pineapple ice bucket from a long-closed hotel where deals were made, love was had, and hearts were broken. A ruby studded flower pin worn by a 50’s housewife on her way to the market for no other reason than that it made her feel beautiful. Graphic patterns on vintage dresses and prints are sewn into fitted shorts or the backs of jean jackets made to last and leave a lasting impression. Nostalgia is powerful, even when we make it up.

I didn’t know I would walk away inspired by the Charleston Antique Mall’s Festival but inspired I was. So, inspired in fact that Tim and I made a new piece for the house based on a piece we picked up.

It’s a nice reminder that you don’t have to always go far to find something truly special. And the beat goes on…

Author/Editor: Jennifer Hart

High-End Brands with High-Level Design

@wellpeople

Clean, high-performance formulas that improve your skin’s health.

Love that this brand is producing products that are cruelty-free and plant-powered. Their feed is professional and has a point-of-view. Beautiful.

@paireupgallery

A brand we can't help but love. Paired Up is a client of ours that has been hustling and succeeding at innovating and elevating style with the most unique and high-end sneakers out there. Keep an eye on this one. More big things to come from this talented group of guys.

@hotelemblem

An Urban Retreat by Viceroy. The vibe is so on point here. Love the crops. The color palette screams boutique and high-end. Really love the details like our little pup friend's bow tie. Can't wait to check this one out in person at some point.

Author: Kate Frabbiele

Editor: Jennifer Hart

#DESIGNINSPO

A few Instagram accounts filling their feeds with top-notch design inspiration in May.

@itskudzi

The more you look at them, the more beautiful they get. Clever, abstract, and conceptual. We found these layouts striking and packed with story–as "brand bakers" we love a good story. Thanks for making us think with these wonderfully artistic pieces Ms. Saiete.

@marisol.ortega

The patterns and palettes are eye-catching and playful here. Rich with texture, they also certainly brightened our day! Ms. Ortega we love what you are doing! There is so much joy infused into this work. And the world could use a whole lot more joy. Inspired.

@yaseminugurlu_clayworks

Is anyone else contemplating a dining ware re-do? The modern shapes and palettes have us scrolling this feed for a while. The combo of hand-made texture with contemporary style makes these so special. Thanks for "throwing" us a cup full of inspiration, Yasemin!

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Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!

Credits

Author: Kate Frabbiele

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

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Brand, Unexpected Art, and a Beginner's Guide to OOH Advertising

This month The Squeeze is especially brand-focused. We are also out of home but in the know. So, pull up a citrus berry tea and get a fresh blast of inspiration with a cup full of industry know-how.

THE “B-WORD”

'Brand' has become so overused as an industry term. This is unfortunate because it does perfectly describe the essence of a company. For this article, in an effort to avoid putting it out on the internet another four or five times, I will refer to the “b-word” here as biz-buzz–Just for today. Whether you like the word or not, some form of biz-buzz development is worth your consideration as a business. Having an outline of what your company is, what it looks like, why it looks like that, and who it's for is a recipe for how to sell your service or product effectively. There are varying degrees of brand development and identity development to look at implementing. All are important, but they can be stepped out in stages, if planned according to your business's unique needs and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all in marketing and design. It’s a what comes first game based on budget (another unpopular b-word) and initiatives. These are all things an agency or boutique studio like Hart House Creative can help you figure out. (hint-hint, wink-wink). Having a roadmap to follow and a guide showing you how to build the marketing consistently and logically is a game-changer for most companies.

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HART BEAT

Filling the well while keeping the faucet on is always a challenge, at least in this designer’s opinion. To keep myself motivated and fresh ideas flowing, my go-to-gotta-have-it is travel. Even if I just go down the street to somewhere new–that counts.

This month I went a bit further than down the street, and it was wonderful! A trip to Temecula, California, was just what the design doc ordered. Nature is one of the world’s most gifted artists.

After soaking in the beauty of this place (and soaking up the wine we drank), a quick stop just outside Las Vegas was in order as we headed home. Have you ever driven by Primm to or from California from the Las Vegas valley? You might miss it on the otherwise desolate road to California if you blink. The largest Texaco in the state, a rollercoaster famous for its drop and an opportunity to buy a lottery ticket might entice you to stop here, however, if you drive past Buffalo Bills to the end of the parking lot. A strange and wonderful thing has happened to an abandoned mall here–Art. A lot of art. All were commissioned from a collection of 34 well-known graffiti artists and muralists from around the world. Their work fills the gaps where stores once were. Prizm Outlets’ “Mural Oasis” is free public art–just walk in the mall during its daytime hours. It is one of the largest collections in the world, involving over 93,000 square feet of 126 street art murals. According to their website, the project was created to be a fully immersive walkable experience by utilizing the most powerful and engaging art form.

While unique, it’s a bit haunting to walk through. It feels a smidge dystopian, an almost empty mall with dried fountains and half-filled gumball machines. That said, it’s also very cool and worth the quick 20-minute stop to stretch your legs. I hope they continue adding to it. It would only get cooler. If you’re into old west trivia, as a bonus, you can also ride the escalator at the north end of the mall to the top and check out Bonnie and Clyde’s shot-up old getaway car and a few other artifacts. The mall is connected to Buffalo Bills.

Author/Editor: Jennifer Hart

Photo Credit: Tim Rudloff @timrudloff

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ARE YOU IN OR OUT? A BEGINNER'S GUIDE FOR OOH ADVERTISING

Not so many years ago, outdoor advertising used to be mainly associated with roadside billboards, which are still often utilized by gas stations, eateries, and resort casinos "up ahead.” However, the industry is changing more than just its acronyms with digital technology.

What exactly is OOH Advertising?

Out-of-home advertising (OOH) is a marketing strategy that involves using outdoor advertising spaces and platforms such as posters, traditional billboards, digital signage, or electronic media. It can be a highly effective way to reach the right audience at a time when they are out and about and not being distracted by their cell phones, home or work computers, and other devices.

The market is vast and growing at a rapid pace. It is estimated that $38 billion will be spent on OOH in 2022 and $44 billion by 2026, according to Statista.com. What’s driving this upward advertising trend? Several factors are responsible, including the pandemic, device burnout, ad-free streaming content, and privacy concerns, but the primary reason is digital technology and the tools to measure and track consumers in a way that wasn’t previously available to the OOH industry.

Small business operators who are trying to make the most of a limited advertising budget to top marketers with billions of ad dollars now have the necessary data to know the effectiveness of their OOH advertising campaigns and the ability to adjust them in real-time.

Major Types of OOH Advertising

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, billboards are the most familiar outdoor ad space, but they are no longer the boring and often ignored static ad space of yesteryear. Evolving to large-scale digital signage displays with dynamic ads that can be changed out on the fly based on nearby consumers, all in real-time and remotely.

From high traffic areas like bus shelters, kiosks, POS displays, taxis, subways, dedicated monument displays to entire sides of buildings, OOH Advertising is everywhere where people are on the go, often in an eye-catching and dynamic way with movement, vibrant colors and options like cycling images and interactive ads.

Brands Utilizing Digital OOH (DOOH) Advertising

Allstate, Geico, CVS, streaming services Netflix, HBO, Disney, Apple, and McDonald's are just a few familiar brands making the most of this growing industry and advertising platform. The good news is that OOH and DOOH aren’t just for the big players with billion-dollar budgets. Small to medium companies can significantly benefit from OOH campaigns as well. In part two, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of OOH, tips for setting up a campaign, what programmatic marketing is, and how it may work for you. Hint: It starts with a cohesive marketing plan and a deep understanding of your target market.

Email us with questions about your business at studio@harthousecreative.com

Author/Editor: Jennifer Hart

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#DESIGNINSPO

A few Instagram accounts filling their feeds with top-notch design inspiration in April.

@anniset

Ms. Anna Davis and your partner in design crime, Daniel Rueda–So many props. Concept + whimsy makes our hearts flutter. Admire the full use of space in these layouts. Beautiful.

@pippa.shaw

A thing of beauty. We love the vibrant colors and intricate patterns Pippa Shaw is weaving with perfect symmetry and absolute design precision. Lovely to behold! Thanks, Pippa!

@branding_by_emir

I can’t help but admire a fellow brand pro. I love the clean lines and exciting palettes being used. Standing O for you EK. Keep killing that color game.

That’s it for this month’s squeeze to get your creative juices flowing. To learn more about brands we've worked with follow @harthousecreative on Instagram or check out the testimonials on our site.

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Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!

Credits

Author and Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

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Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.

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Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.

Shopping Local & Supporting Makers

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that we miss connecting with people in real and meaningful ways. And not just within our own circle of friends and family but with people in our communities both as consumers and business owners.

While big retailers like Amazon and Walmart continue to dominate online consumer markets, small local businesses have been quietly building a loyal following of conscious consumers and local shoppers who prefer shopping local and supporting makers.

Leading the charge is Fergusons Downtown, a unique neighborhood located on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Offering something for everyone from essential goods, lifestyle products, to one-of-a-kind U.S.A. hand-crafted products, this community of makers, creators, curators, artists, musicians, mental health advocates and culinary vendors is a Mecca of quirky shops, pop ups and thoughtful spaces.

What Fergusons isn’t is your typical shopping mall. A thriving pulse in the heart of downtown Vegas, this unique neighborhood is made up of independent, locally owed small businesses who have put their heart and soul into their brands and are often committed to a cause that’s greater than just their profit margins.

Currently, there are 13 brick and mortar shops inside Fergusons Downtown, eight studio shops inside Gather House and seven local chefs, plus all the rotating guest chefs at Vegas Test Kitchen, a casual dining venue for local celebrated chefs testing out new concepts. VTK is located next to Fergusons Downtown.

Aside from shops and food, Fergusons Downtown hosts Market In The Alley, a collection of popup shops featuring local vendor art, photography, jewelry, gifts, to food offerings with each vendor agreeing to sustainability practices and initiatives.

That old adage “Birds of a feather flock together” rings especially true for the local creatives who make up Fergusons Downtown. They know that a community is only as strong as its ability to keep dollars local.

So what are you waiting for…build or find your own local market if you’re not in Vegas, or if you are local - get the flock down to Fergusons to do some shopping!

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Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!

Credits

Author: Eden Landrie

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

Last Updated August 2024

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Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.