The Blog

Design insights
& ideas.

Tips, case studies, industry news, and behind-the-scenes looks at how great design gets made.

AI-Powered Design-to-Print: Shorter Path from Concept to Physical Prototype

AI tools are cutting the CAD bottleneck out of prototyping. Here's what that means for marketing and product teams who need physical concepts fast.

Flat vector illustration of a text prompt dialog box pointing toward an FDM 3D printer producing a prototype, in deep purple and near-black

Variable Fonts: One File to Rule Your Brand's Typography (and Speed Up Your Site)

Most brand sites ship 4–6 static font files and pay a speed penalty. One variable font file cuts payload 50–75% and gives you responsive brand typography.

Flat vector illustration of a monitor showing six stacked static font file icons versus one larger variable font file icon

V-12Design TipsAugust 18, 2026

Accessibility Isn't a Feature—It's the Foundation of Good Design

Most designers care about accessibility but still ship sites that exclude users. Intention isn't enough—here's what structural commitment looks like.

Angular folded-paper illustration of a broad structural foundation slab supporting a grid of diverse faceted panels in deep purple tones

M-133D PrintingAugust 13, 2026

Modular Design Meets 3D Printing: Build Products That Last Longer and Cost Less to Maintain

Brands are redesigning products with swappable 3D-printed parts instead of full replacements. What modular durability means for your product and bottom line.

Angular flat-vector illustration of an exploded modular shoe form with separated faceted layers and a geometric lattice cluster on a near-black background.

V-14BrandingAugust 11, 2026

Rebranding Lessons from Vans and Indice

Two recent rebrands—Vans and Indice eyewear—show why the best refreshes clarify cultural role, not just visuals. Lessons for established brands.

M-15Web DesignJune 6, 2026

Why Your Website Is Your Hardest Working Employee

Your website works 24/7 and is usually the first impression a potential client gets of your business. Here's how to make sure it's doing its job.

Split image comparing a small business owner frustrated with an underperforming website versus one whose well-designed website is generating leads

V-16Design TipsMay 5, 2026

Packaging Design Mistakes That Kill Shelf Presence

Good packaging design isn’t just about looking nice. These five packaging design mistakes are costing small brands sales — and most of them are easy to fix.

A crowded retail shelf showing multiple product packages competing for shopper attention, illustrating why strong packaging design is essential for small brands

M-17Web DesignApril 10, 2026

Why AI Search Makes Good Web Design More Critical

AI search now evaluates your entire digital presence before deciding who to cite. Here’s why your website design and brand consistency have never mattered more.

V-18BrandingApril 6, 2026

Why Your Logo Is the Last Thing You Should Design

Most businesses start with a logo and call it branding. The ones that get it right start with strategy. Here’s what to do before you design anything.

M-19BrandingMarch 5, 2026

Small Business Brand Identity: Why It Can't Wait

Your brand identity is your most valuable business asset. Discover why LA small businesses that invest in branding outcompete and outlast those that don't.