THIS IS OUR BLOG.
NEWSLETTER 42
THIS IS OUR NEWSLETTER
Gratitude,
As the year unfolds, we’re filled with immense gratitude for the opportunities we’ve been given to create, connect, and contribute to our community. Each project we’ve embarked upon has deepened our ties, expanded our creative horizons, and allowed us to collaborate with clients who inspire us. This season, we’re especially thankful for the moments that encouraged us to slow down, celebrate milestones, and invest in the growth and development with some of our partners.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what lies ahead.
SLŌ | 10.25.24
SLŌ with DEVASENA SRIKANTH
In our fast-paced world, the chance to slow down, savor each bite, and truly be present is invaluable. Recently, our team hosted a serene dinner featuring vegetarian Indian cuisine crafted by Devasena Srikanth emphasizing mindfulness and the beauty of shared experiences. The atmosphere was warm, the aromas inviting, and the intention clear: to help everyone pause and appreciate each moment.
This gathering was more than just a meal; it was a reminder of our commitment to fostering well-being and connection within our team and beyond. As we embraced the flavors and artistry of Indian cuisine, we were reminded of how design, too, is about presence—being fully engaged in the moment to craft something meaningful.
CHURCH 52 VISIT | 10.27.24
CHURCH 52 BRAND ROLLOUT
A site visit to the recently rebranded Church 52 allowed us to witness the application of our branding work in real life—a truly gratifying experience. The church community’s response to the new brand identity has been overwhelmingly positive, and seeing our work in action was a rewarding culmination of the design process this their leadership team. From updated signage to fresh interior wayfinding, supporting graphics and printed materials, every detail reinforced the vision and purpose that was co-created with the church team.
Celebrating this milestone alongside the congregation was deeply meaningful. Their enthusiasm affirmed that branding is not just about visuals but about identity and belonging. You can learn more about Church 52 here.
SMCCP | 10.28.24
STRENGTHENING MINISTRY with CHILDREN CONFERENCE
This year, we supported the Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program, led by our friends at IWU and funded by the Lily Endowment.
The conference provided an enriching space for these organizations, underscoring the importance of thoughtful, innovative solutions for those they are serving. As designers of the brand identity, we continued our contributions to this welcoming environment with photography, design consultation, and hands-on preparation. You can learn more about SMCCP and see the brand in action here.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WORKSHOP / EVENT RENTALS | 10.26-10.29.24
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Attending a recent Community Foundation workshop facilitated by Ball State University was a valuable opportunity for learning and collaboration. This session gathered representatives from across the county to discuss growth areas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate progress, and we were grateful to be part of the dialogue. This workshop also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement. Just as design requires iteration and reflection, so does community building. Engaging with others who share a vision for our county’s future has deepened our commitment to designing solutions that make a difference.
We’ve had the pleasure of hosting many events in our studio space, offering a versatile venue for gatherings. One of these special events gathered last week in conjunction with the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS) and the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indianapolis at the Kennedy Art Center. This was the final event of a series of commemorative activities celebrating the life and legacy of 24th Infantry Buffalo Soldier Private Gerald Dixon. This event highlighted a diverse range of events we’ve hosted this year and has reinforced our belief in the power of spaces to inspire, and we’re excited to continue welcoming new stories within these walls.
If you’re looking for an exceptional venue to host your next event, you can learn more from the Kennedy Art Center right here.
MINI MASTERCLASSES | 11.09.24
AI, FRIEND OR FOE?
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce a series of masterclasses we’ll be hosting over the next several months, with the first session kicking off next week. These masterclasses are designed to dive deeply into specialized topics, offering valuable insights and skill-building opportunities (but within a reasonable timeline, most lasting only 1-2 hours!). Our goal is to share knowledge and foster growth within our creative community. We can’t wait to embark on this journey and see the talent and creativity that these sessions will undoubtedly inspire.
Is your team or family up on the latest AI information? Join us for our first Mini Masterclass this Saturday, November 9th from 1:00pm-2:00pm: “AI, Friend or Foe?” led by Evan Gilmore, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator for United Way Grant County. Because we believe we learn better together, we're offering a special $5 discount per ticket if you sign up 2 or more of your team or family members for this important class. Just enter code CODE5 to receive the discount.
BLACK FRIDAY & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE
We have tons of new products in the store just in time for Christmas shopping. To celebrate Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we’re offering 30% off everything for two days only. Buy online only on Friday and online and in the store on Saturday. Keep your eyes peeled for the discount code in your email before Thanksgiving!
YOU ARE THE ANSWER
WHAT I BELIEVE KIMCHI TO BE
As a Korean-born, U.S. adopted daughter, my false understanding of what kimchi was didn't come to life until…
As a Korean-born, U.S. adopted daughter, my false understanding of what kimchi was didn't come to life until I was well on my way to adulthood. During an era when most foods originated from a can, I came to believe most food was bland, including kimchi. My recollection of kimchi was a runny, lumpy mixture of brown meet, gravy, and onions cooked quickly on the stove. This conglomorate could not be further from the truth. Kimchi is a spicy, crunchy, colorful blend of cabbage, spices, and anchovies (or other seasonal, local tidbits) fermented to heighten flavor over a long period of time.
Was my mom deceived? Was she trying to trick me with food she was more confident I would like? (Note: I was not a picky eater.) Or, did she truly not know what kimchi was? I believed her when she told me I was eating kimchi.
What are you eating? What are you feeding yourself? Is it bland? Tasteless? Are you going about your life believing its true, ingesting it because you're hungry and it's in front of you? Stop and check it's authenticity. It may be the turning point that unveils a truth that's in complete contrast, bringing more spice, crunch, and joy to your life!
NEWSLETTER 41
UCDA KEYNOTE: PRESENCE CHANGES PERCEPTION
This weekend Wendy spoke at the UCDA Conference in Indianapolis (University and College Designers Association). Her keynote, "Presence Changes Perception" was catered specifically to designers in professional, educational, and student contexts.
Using examples from the Marion Design Co. story, attendees were introduced to three new Design Thinking tools and the following principles to guide them:
A. Presence changes perception
B. Assets are found inside a problem where passions already exist.
C. Every problem carries just enough assets to meet the needs.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: COLLABORA LOGO & WEBSITE
This year, six essential non-profit organizations in Grant County are coming together to collaborate! We’ve been working with this group with Design Thinking sessions, strategic planning, and design services to develop a unique look and feel that resonates with their commitment to innovation, connection, and flourishing.
What does innovation look like? As we craft ideas and shape them together, it takes combining and creativity. The logo with its looped and flowing double “L”s showcases the connectedness and fluidity of collaboration and shared spaces. Reminiscent of Ancient Greece and the agora or gathering spaces, the “O” is made up of dots like the columns surrounding these agoras. Additionally, the dots are representative of individuals coming to the table and producing in the center a new, fresh, and collective vision—strong, unified, and lasting for generations.
In August and September, we worked with Collabora and its members to release their new identity, a new website, and a series of announcement billboards! This new design work will get a lot of mileage in the near future as Collabora continues to establish itself in Grant County.
UNITED WAY DAY OF ACTION
The Marion Design Co. team was thrilled to participate in United Way’s 2nd Day of Action. This special day was all about bringing community together to make meaningful impact through various service projects, all benefiting the Grant County community.
This day of service also doubled as the official launch of “Tidy Tuesday” in which business and property owners on the square in Marion are encouraged to come together on every Tuesday at 10am for 10 minutes to clean up the store fronts of our buildings and our neighbors.
MARION ARTS COMMISSION GALA
The support of this community for the arts was evident as a result of the MAC Gala! Since the event more than $25,000 has been raised to help fund artists building businesses in Grant County and events such as the MAC Gala to promote the arts. This exceeded the Marion Arts Commission fundraising goal for the event! The Marion Design Co. team, a number of key volunteers from the MAC board, IWU students helped us all to bring a bespoke vision for this event to life. We used placemaking principles, unreasonable hospitality, and custom printed materials to give the event a refined and elegant polish. There are several works still available from the Gala Auction up until November on display at the Kennedy Art Center. Stop by and buy one for your home, business, or as a gift knowing that your donation is going toward a successful art practice.
THANKS FOR READING!
NEWSLETTER 40
CELEBRATING 40 NEWSLETTERS
What does life look like 40 Newsletters later? When we launched our monthly newsletter, we had celebrated five years as an organization. Our dynamic team of interns from IWU helped us host IAC’s On-Ramp Workshop, create a new Marion Health brand identity, host Marion-Made Mini, and design many other initiatives and projects with the city of Marion and other significant partnerships.
Since 2021, we officially became a business and remain true to the mission we originated with. We’ve continued to use design to empower communities, businesses, organizations, and individuals to do what they do through the power of good design. We’ve created brand identities, design thinking sessions, illustrations, graphic and marketing materials, gallery exhibits, interiors and placemaking, websites and photography for 168 projects.
Our relationships have deepened with repeat clients and broadened with newly introduced clients. We’re grateful our journey has brought us to a new, permanent location at the Kennedy Art Center. We’re excited for the future and plan to continue serving our community and beyond! If we haven’t worked with you on a project yet, we hope to in the near future!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: ECCLÉ
Ecclé empowers churches and artists by facilitating personalized training, mentoring, and resource exchange. To support its mission, a new identity design was developed to establish a strong foundation for the organization, ensuring its visual system conveyed legitimacy, trust, and the essence of its work.
The design concept drew inspiration from estuary ecosystems, known for their biodiversity and rich cultural significance. This metaphorical approach reflects ECCLÉ’s goal of fostering growth and connection within a relational framework, contrasting with transactional models. The identity employs non-Eurocentric design influences, integrating elements from diverse artistic traditions to create a visual language that resonates with ECCLÉ’s global and inclusive vision.
The logo features an organic shape reminiscent of estuary waterways, with negative space forming the letter "e" for ECCLÉ. The letterform’s customized serif typeface combines traditional gravitas with a modern sensibility, echoing the illuminated manuscripts and early printed texts that bridge theology and creativity. The design incorporates block shapes and flowing lines, reflecting the interaction between water and land in estuarine environments.
This achieves a balance of tradition with modernity and supports multicultural use. Distinct design patterns represent ECCLÉ’s three core service lines: Training (Fluvial Zone), Connecting (Mixing Zone), and Mentoring (Marine Zone). Each zone features unique patterns and motifs—ranging from weedy shallows to fish mixing ideas, and deep waves navigating challenges—offering clarity and differentiation for each service line.
Overall, the identity design not only anchors ECCLÉ’s brand but also captures its mission of nurturing creative potential and fostering meaningful connections, while offering a consistent and memorable visual system for future growth.
BLOOM 2024
Grant County is home to a large number of strong female leaders! Each year we have the opportunity to celebrate and inspire these women during Bloom, an annual event hosted by the United Way of Grant County and Greater Grant County. Last year Marion Design Co. hosted Bloom SLŌ, a Korean dining experience. This year we led a workshop entitled Stress by Design: How Spaces Shape Burnout during a larger one-day conference at Matter Park. Shaded by a beautiful natural canopy and surrounded by manicured gardens, we talked about ways to create spaces at work and home to reduce stress that contributes to burnout. Addressing all the senses, we discussed design tactics with lighting, acoustics, space planning, and materials to ensure we’re working in healthy environments. We ended the session with three questions to consider when evaluating your work spaces…
Who do I become while here?
How will this place transform me?
How will I know how to act?
If we understand what’s contributing to how we feel in a space, then we can make decisions on to adjust what surrounds us to help strengthen our minds and hearts while we work. If you would like an hour evaluation and consultation of your space, feel free to email Wendy at wendy@mariondesign.co to schedule an appointment.
EDITH FARNSWORTH HOUSE
After a full week of work, the team was ready to get some fresh air and be inspired by this classic environment. Wendy, Willie, Tabby and Jacob took a day trip and enjoy learning from a knowledgeable docent. Good conversation and beautiful design!
Exactly what we needed! Nestled along the Fox River an hour southwest of Chicago in Plano, IL is a classic international style house designed by Mies Van De Rohe. Described as a structure of Platonic perfection, this minimal weekend retreat contrasts the organic landscape, bringing nature in.
PICNIC ON THE PATIO: MARION ON THE MOVE
Attention all downtown and small business leaders: Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. will be attending our next Marion on the Move meeting on September 5th, 2024, 12:00PM to 1:30PM at the Kennedy Art Center in Downtown Marion.
Next weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas on the positive change they would like to see happen in the city. If you do not have a meal, no worries! A free lunch will be provided by us. We hope to see you there!
Unlike our Marion on the Move events - which are exclusive to local business leaders - Picnic on the Patio is open to all residents of Marion. Everyone is invited to bring their own lunch and engage in conversation with the community. GIve yourself the chance to meet some cool people in a cool space! To stay updated on when we are hosting Marion on the Move, follow us on Instagram at @mariondesignco. If you won’t be able to attend, but want to contribute, send us a message on our Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@mariondesign.co
MARION ARTS COMMISSION GALA
The upcoming MAC Gala celebrates not only a night for the arts, but an anniversary of Kennedy Art Center as well! May 5th of this year marks the 1-Year Anniversary of KAC. And although we’re a few months late, what better way to honor the Kennedy Art Center than an event meant to Make Art Visible? Kennedy Art Center was made with this very goal in mind, with the Marion Arts Commission playing a crucial role (KAC’s president, Chris Kennedy, was a founding member!) This gala hopes to fundraise for the cause of artists here in Grant County, so that Marion Arts Commission can continue to provide grants to those who want to make a difference. This evening of art and elegance has plenty more to offer, though, including stilt-walkers, silent and live art auctions, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and more! This event is open to the public, with both tickets and sponsorships available. Read more on the Marion Arts Commission website.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Newsletter 039
We're excited to share the new brand identity we've created for GatherGive! This incredible organization is a resource hub dedicated to fostering a stronger, more connected community in Grant County. We wanted to capture their mission of bringing people together and building a brighter future through their brand.
Through a collaborative and iterative process of design thinking, we worked closely with GatherGive to develop a name and visual system for their organization that serves as a platform to share their story with the community. The interconnected hands in the logo symbolize the power of collaboration and the spirit of giving. We can't wait to see the positive impact GatherGive will have on the community!
Wendy will be taking the main stage at the 2024 UCDA Interchange Conference on Friday, September 27th at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. The Marion Design Co. story will be the introduction to the presentation, Presence Changes Perception. Designers, educators, and students will learn principles for leveraging their power to recognize assets inside impossible problems in order to design for good. Learn more and register at https://www.ucda.com/events/151/
We’re so excited to have Jacob join our team as a Graphic Designer! He studied at Indiana Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in business administration. Jacob’s undergraduate coursework in design and business have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding artistic and strategic aspects our industry.
Coming from a retired military family, Jacob has been exposed to a variety of different cultures as he has been relocated to cities in Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Indiana. Despite spending the majority of his life as a resident of Porter County, Jacob has grown fond of the intentional communities found in Marion. Over the weekends, maintaining the connections in his life by calling his friends and family over the phone is a major priority. On his free time, Jacob loves to watch anime and play video games with his brothers – the nerdy things in life.
On July 18th, we had the pleasure of hosting our second Marion on the Move event during Picnic on the Patio with Los Amores.
Marion on the Move was created to be a space for small businesses and organizations to gather and discuss how to bring more traffic to Downtown Marion. During our first meeting, we shared our intentions, goals, and purpose for being in this small square over a light lunch. Our conclusion was that communication and transparency must be at the forefront, building trust and unification among each other to make Marion the best it can be. We all left very encouraged and ecstatic for our next meeting.
The second meeting was just as special as the first. To support our local businesses and attract more people to attend our event, Picnic on the Patio, we invited Los Amores to join us in sharing food and intentional conversations. We immediately kicked off by updating each other on recent news and began brainstorming ways to bring more traffic to the downtown area. After an engaging conversation, we decided that all of us would have a unified vision through a small, medium, and large idea.
Our vision starts with focusing on beautification. For our small idea, we concluded that attracting others to downtown should first start with taking care of these mundane, everyday tasks: picking up trash, pulling weeds outside our businesses, making sure the front of our store is arranged aesthetically, etc. Though it seems small, it creates a difference, the kind of difference we want to create.
Our medium idea is focused on Design Standards for our buildings and downtown area. This would bring in accountability for our empty storefronts and the ability to create a unified downtown. Lastly, our large idea is to host pop-up stores/events in our vacant buildings to promote our spaces and bring more people in.
From our observations and conversations, our downtown is well loved and adored by our business owners and organizations. We hope that as we continue to have these conversations, that we will be able to create movement and slowly make our downtown a hot spot for people to come by and visit.
If you’re interested in attending our Marion on the Move meetings, our next one will be on August 1, 2024, 12PM to 1:30PM, at the Kennedy Art Center in Downtown Marion. Our next steps are to begin launching our small idea, Tidy Tuesdays, and continue our conversations on how we can better our community. To stay updated on when we are hosting Marion on the Move, follow us on Instagram at @mariondesignco. If you won’t be able to attend, but want to contribute, send us a message on our Instagram or shoot us an email at hello@mariondesign.co.
We hope to see you there!
Kennedy Art Center recently connected with the Quilter’s Hall of Fame - during which they expressed an interest in a joint quilt exhibit at our gallery for their annual celebration. We jumped at the idea, and just a few months later, Celebrate SAQA Indiana has come to fruition!
This show, spurred on by Quilter’s Hall of Fame and in collaboration with SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates, displays the intersection of quilting as both a historic craft and a fine art. The quilts range from abstract to pictorial, and implement a variety of techniques such as hand dyeing fabric, appliqué, photo printing, and more. Quilting as a studio art is a completely unique, immersive, and innovative experience, and we hope you come out to see it before the show packs up September 13th!
Looking ahead, KAC will be hosting the 1st Annual MAC Gala: A Night of Art and Elegance this September, Friday the 20th. This event aims to elevate the arts in Marion and make future celebration of the arts possible within our community. This event will feature a silent auction for art, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. We encourage those interested to look into sponsoring the event or purchasing a ticket to attend. Tickets run at $50 and will be up for purchase soon.
Rent out our kitchen for your summer events! With the cool air inside while the garage door keeps the outdoors accessible, it’s an ideal place to have your family event or office gathering!
The current show, Celebrate SAQA Indiana, will only be on exhibit until September 13th! Art sales are available until the exhibit closes.
For more information, contact us at hello@mariondesign.co
https://www.mariondesign.co/
A Map for Our Attention.
It was stated in a recent conversation with a client that a schedule is a map for our attention. There are so many directions we could carry this metaphor, but today…
It was stated in a recent conversation with a client that a schedule is a map for our attention. There are so many directions we could carry this metaphor, but today, a visual image immediately came to mind. What patterns inform how you spend your time?
Does every event on your schedule create a perfect grid on your attention map similar to Chicago’s city map? Not likely. But if it’s close, is it a reflection of one’s disciplinary practices?
What are you paying attention to? Is it attention-worthy and discipline-empowering? Is it worth your attention?
Newsletter 038
How might a trade school model be applied to training kids with interpersonal and practical skills through a faith-based home environment? This out-of-the-box thinking inspired us to pull out all the stops as we journeyed along with the OptIN leadership team to reframe opportunities for parents to integrate faith through the tool of design.
We recently wrapped up prototypes and testing of the final designs for the OptIN Box that was developed through an empathy-based model. We began our research with a two-day online design thinking session. Micaiah (OptIN Thought Leader) and Brian (OptIN Director) Tanck gathered a group of stakeholders whose experience would contribute to a better understanding of the needs of the audience they’re trying to serve. We led them through the design process, pushing the boundaries of creativity through a custom design thinking session.
Following extensive research, we designed OptIN’s brand identity to ensure their story remained authentic to the project goals yet fluid enough to respond to their innovative team ideas. We found ourselves full of delight as we created the logo and brand identity, envisioning the experience of individuals and families interacting with this project
Inspired by Micaiah and Brian’s imaginations, we created interactive, playful, abstract characters as a key part of the brand package, empowering them to imagine the materials to be brought to life through these lively personalities.
After the Tanck’s had developed the content for the OptIN Boxes, they traveled to Marion from Alabama and we hosted them for two days at our studio in the Kennedy Art Center. During our meetings together, we developed a strong plan for ensuring the content would be designed with the function and aesthetic that would ensure the learning would be meaningful and strengthen family experiences.
With the brand tools in hand, we moved full steam ahead toward designing each of the fourteen activities they had written content for. Proof drafts were created for each activity and sent to the OptIN team for feedback. Multiple iterations were evaluated to ensure every detail was considered. The materials were packaged in custom boxes that fit inside a larger box (much like a bento box) and ranged from emoji sticks to custom “bandaids” to decoder stories, story cards, spinners, and more. When the team was ready, prototypes were created to test. We worked with print and production studios to ensure the best quality for a fair price was available, reinforcing the experience the clients hoped for the users.
This month two of our team members, Emily and Peter Troutner, traveled to Alabama to participate in a retreat hosted by OptIN. During the retreat, twenty-five participants from varying backgrounds interacted with the OptIN Story Investigators Kids Box of activities and offered feedback through testing to ensure the goals were met. The products were a big hit! Over time, the boxes will be sent out to families so they can begin benefitting from the materials, enhancing their family values through a deeper understanding of scripture.
The Family Matters online Design Thinking Session, designed and led by MDC, hosted participants scattered from coast to coast representing an organization based in New Jersey. As with every design thinking session, we created a custom experience with new methods that helped the team dive into understanding today’s busy family life. One of the activities we called the Intersection and Emotional Journey Map. This empathy-driven examination required the participants to examine family life from an empathetic point of view. It examined what moments throughout the day family members might intersect together at the same time and place. It also examined how the members might feel throughout the day. Both of these data points helped us understand what might be ideal times or momentary captures of time to infuse meaningful intention that supports family values.
It is insights gained from guided examinations like these that open up opportunities to create innovative solutions to seemingly impossible, everyday problems. We’re excited about more opportunities to help businesses, families, and organizations explore how their relationships can be strengthened through long-lasting, foundational principles using design thinking.
We’re making room for new products! To keep our store small but curate the best products for you, we’re clearing out some great items! Check out our website or come to the store to see what’s on sale. Once they’re gone, they won’t be available again. If you’ve been saving up for a Fellow Kettle, Interior design decor, or colorful game, this is your opportunity to purchase it in the store or order it online for pick up! (Kettles and smaller items may be shipped).
Products are coming in from Germany, Paris, and across the U.S. Our MOMA products are expanding and the coming months will bring in new Marion Design Co. and Kennedy Art Center merch. Keep checking back each week to see what’s new!
During July and August 2024, we’ll offer two-hour Mini Masterclasses on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 covering creative topics ranging from studio arts, technical design, and culinary craft. Courses will be taught by professional designers or partners who practice in the profession of their instruction.
Sign up for a MiniMasterclass subscription and save!
Registration will be available beginning June 28th.
Individual class rate: $40
Purchase multi-class subscriptions by July 9th to receive the discount!
2 classes @ 10% discount = $36 per class
4 classes @ 15% discount = $34 per class
6 classes @ $48 per class = $32 per class
Details are coming soon! Check back @ https://www.mariondesign.co/events
This summer we welcome our newest Graphic Design Intern. Tabby Lo is a Senior Graphic Design major at Anderson University in South Carolina. Trained by two of Marion Design Co. founders (Luke Anspach and Herb Peterson) who recently began teaching design at Anderson, she’s already brought a unique level of passion and her human-centered design mindset to our studio.
As a first-generation Hmong American and the first of six siblings to attend a four year college, she holds a deep appreciation for her culture. With a love for bridging gaps, bringing people together, and building communities, she believes that the world changes because of people, and design is meaningful only when created with people in mind.
Rent out our kitchen for your summer events! With the cool air inside while the garage door keeps the outdoors accessible, it’s an ideal place to have your family event or office gathering!
The current show, Space Between, will only be on exhibit until July 12th! Art sales are available until the exhibit closes.
We have two exciting new exhibits coming in July and September. Save the dates for gallery openings on July 20th and September 20th.
More info to come!
For more information, contact us at hello@mariondesign.co
https://www.mariondesign.co/
Newsletter 037
We're excited to announce a collaborative project with the EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) Research team! We've been working on developing layout concepts to refresh their website making it easier for researchers and clients to access the wealth of knowledge EMA offers.
The new design concept prioritizes user experience, ensuring smooth navigation and quick access to EMA's insightful research articles and practical workshop tools. They also received a logo refresh to transform their logo into one that is more web-friendly. This revamped website will be a valuable resource for those studying human experiences in daily life, ultimately promoting well-being for all.
This Father's Day, show your appreciation with gifts that celebrate and empower the amazing father and grandfather in your life. Our curated selection of productivity-boosting products is designed to make work more efficient and balance more attainable. Here are some top picks:
Baggu Medium or Large Nylon Cresent Bag: Both can be carried on your shoulder or crossbody. The medium size carries all of the essentials for client meetings including space for your tablet. The large size carries a laptop and more without straining your back.
Baron Fig Journals: The Huddle and Clear Habit Journals provide a guided framework for work balance efficiency.
Desktop Cubes Calendar: This analog modern calendar is a sharp sculpture for his desk or bookshelf.
FREDERICKS AND MAE Games: Play is strategic work. Reinforce play with the gift of a game!
Original Art: He likely needs pictures in his office. Select from the twenty-three works of art on exhibit now at the Kennedy Art Center or additional artwork at the Marion Design Co. Store.
Join us for a night of pairs! Two sisters, Alyssa and Amaya Thompson, launch their first book to the sound of two Jazz musicians, Robert Barnett and Darrell Briscoe. Everything begins at the Kennedy Art Center, Saturday, May 25th at 7 pm with the girls sharing a few words at 7:30. The night will include mocktails and light refreshments, a giveaway, and a 10% discount on all MDC store products!
We’re thrilled that Willie has joined the team as a Senior Graphic Designer. He brings years of experience working with clients conducting all things human-centered design related! He studied Alternative Process Photography and Design at Indiana Wesleyan and has his coaching certification through Lark’s Song.
He’s worked in creative teams at non-profits and creative agencies. His work has been focused on storytelling and the visual arts, creative direction, brand solutions, design systems, and video production.
His entrepreneurial spirit has led to a passion for helping businesses use storytelling to connect with their audiences. For many projects, his role is that of a translator, helping individuals and systems to communicate and be perceived in ways that may not otherwise feel native to them.
He loves spending time with his wife and kids on their small homestead, playing with his band, reading philosophy and fiction, plotting the arcs of movie storylines, and film photography.
Janelle, a Taylor undergrad student, is wrapping up her Spring 2024 Business Internship with MDC. She played a critical role in strengthening and streamlining our store’s product inventory, pricing, and bookkeeping. When asked about her time at Marion Design Co. she shared a few reflective throughts:
“One of the most notable aspects of my internship at Marion Design Co. has been the sense of inclusivity within the workplace culture. It's a quality that truly sets the company apart. At the beginning of my internship, I was impressed by the level of creativity expressed by my colleagues. What stood out to me was the first time Wendy asked for my input on ideas I consider to be creative matters during a meeting. When given my role as a business intern, I presumed my contributions might not carry significant weight in this area. However, I quickly realized that every voice is highly valued at MDC, irrespective of position.
Throughout my internship, I aimed to contribute significantly to enhancing organizational procedures across various business domains. One of my main goals was to make spreadsheets easily accessible for anyone to be able to pick up and understand the financial and product-oriented trends of the business. I made an effort to become a part of the Marion community by contributing to community-focused events, I aimed not only to connect with individuals but also to serve their needs. Moreover, I prioritized maintaining MDC's community-centric approach, ensuring that my ideas reflected the company's values. MDC offers a people-centered approach to business, providing an opportunity to consider others in the handling of business affairs. An internship that opens someone's mind to look outwardly instead of inwardly is rare. I am blessed to have the experience of this perspective, especially as I pursue a job after graduation.”
We’re grateful for Janelle’s contributions to our studio and clients. We look forward to welcoming her back as an intern in the fall!
The dining room was filled with anticipation as the guests experienced wafts of Italian seasoning creating an inviting atmosphere at the Kennedy Art Center. Michael Barmes curated an Italian experience with a menu to tantalize our tastebuds. The Marion Design Co. team, draped in black aprons served the guests a three-course meal with wine pairings selected by the chef.
SLŌ Supper was inspired by our continuing effort to empower the talents we’re discovering throughout our community.
Grant County has so many gifted chefs who serve at local restaurants, cater, or are talented home cooks! These supper experiences allow the chef to feature dishes they may not typically serve at their restaurant or cater to their clients. If you know of someone who would enjoy cooking for SLŌ, please contact us at hello@mariondesign.co.
Wendy Puffer, Chief Executive Officer
Keith and I just returned from a vacation in Korea. It’s been 11 years since we visited my homeland, so we were very excited to go! While we had practiced some Korean language in preparation, we found Google Translate to be our friend regarding reading menus and the occasional sign. However, even with the convenience of the Korean language being magically transformed into interpretive English, we still found ourselves in the middle of subway stations staring at Google Maps in confusion.
On many occasions during our 10-day trip, a kind-hearted person would approach us speaking in Korean with hand motions and expressions that somehow provided just enough information to get us to the next place. On two occasions strangers would go out of their way to lead us to the train and jump on with us (even if it wasn’t leading them to their destination) to ensure we were headed toward our destination.
We visited many places of interest that inspired us to live beyond our own understanding, but the framework of kindness that blanketed our experiences is a memory that will continue to be told even when the details disappear over time. Kindness isn’t a sacrifice of time, it’s a sacrifice of self that replenishes the soul. It’s an attribute that isn’t true to itself if not it’s not given away. If you’ve forgotten what kindness looks like, take a trip! I recommend South Korea. You’ll be reminded of how natural it is to give kindness away!
Newsletter 036
So many ideas need good design! When a client invites us into a place of curiosity, we are compelled to ensure we have a clear understanding of what's true about the problem they’re tackling and the people they’re serving.
We not only bring in a new visual lens, but we engage in the pursuit of problem-solving that digs deep into human behavior discovered only through an empathy-driven design process.
From logos for a small business to ongoing brand identity partnerships with organizations and corporations, we ensure the essence of your mission is elevated. The breadth of our work is seen in buildings and in lived experiences, through design thinking sessions and strategic planning.
This recent window graphics installation was created through a partnership with Halstead Architects and IHC. The grand opening for their renovated facility is May 22nd.
Join us for a casual evening at the Kennedy Art Center on April 19th | 7 - 9 pm. This exhibit sponsored by the Marion Arts Commission, Indiana Arts Commission, and The Community Foundation of Randolph County invites viewers to explore the interstitial spaces that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. It challenges conventional notions of space and invites contemplation on the significance of what lies between.
Twenty-three artists from diverse backgrounds were invited to interpret the theme, Space Between, in their unique way, using various mediums such as sculpture, installation, painting, photography, and multimedia. The work ranges from depictions of literal spaces we can see and touch to representations of symbolic divides such as the chasm that separates dreams from reality. This exhibition also prompts reflection on the in-between liminal spaces we experience in life, from one stage to the next.
As you wander through the first-floor and lower-level galleries, we invite curious questions into the gallery space through conversations and self-reflection. Ponder the diverse interpretations of the theme by the works of art created by local and national artists and explore the space between your lived experience and the message you understand through their artistic expression.
Keep reading! The artist who created the cover art is featured next!
Emily Dexter, Copywriting Intern 2023
After working as a copywriting intern for Marion Design Co., my biggest takeaway can be summed up in one of the MDC team's favorite phrases: you are the answer. To me, this short sentence is a powerful reminder of the creative potential of each and every person. It is a reminder of our agency in the world, of the privilege we have to influence our communities' futures for the better.
Since interning with Marion Design Co., I have taken a full-time role as the content marketing coordinator at Good Party, a national organization building free tools and community for people across the United States who want to make a difference by running for office outside of the two-party system. This role reminds me of the ripple effect that can happen when local leaders become empowered and change begins happening, one community at a time.
My artwork in the upcoming exhibit, titled "Girl to Woman," marks a full circle moment. This work is a meditation on coming of age — a subject I've been thinking about more and more, as I come up on the first anniversary of my graduation from IWU. To me, the art making process is closely aligned with the process of deep thinking. The same holds true for writing. Whether I find myself making visual or written art, my mind goes into a similar flow state, using the medium in front of me to puzzle through a particular question or experience.
You’re invited to spend a special evening at the Kennedy Art Center experiencing a curated Italian dinner with friends made just for SLŌ Supper by Michael Barmes, popular chef of the Tomahawk in Marion! Michael’s been in the restaurant industry for 7 years. He’s worked as a professional chef for 5 of those 7 years. He’s constantly working on his craft trying new cuisines out from different cultures. His lifelong goal is to make everything completely from scratch at least once. He’s very excited to cook an Italian dinner experience for you all at the Kennedy Arts Center! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Reservations close by midnight, Friday, April 19th, so be sure and make your reservation today! Seating is very limited!
Make it stand out
Host your special event at the Kennedy Art Center! Whether it’s a graduation open house, wedding reception, or bridal shower, we’ll swing open the kitchen garage door as a welcome mat for your guests. When you rent out the kitchen and dining space or the whole gallery for your event, you’ll have access to our dinnerware, equipment, appliances, small appliances (Bunn coffeemaker, Vitamix, Cuisinart food processor, TK-1 Cappucino maker, etc.) and more! The lower-level gallery will be open later this month so you have even more space to host larger events! Go to kennedyartcenter.co to request a tour or book your next event!
Sunglasses, jewelry, tote bags, and more! We’re closing out our blue blocker and sunglasses line so if you’ve had your eye on a pair in the store, stop by our studio or purchcase them online! We’re adding new lines and restocking favorites, so check back often!
Angie Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the sun is a little warmer, and everything just seems to come alive again. As a designer, I find this time of year rejuvenating and inspiring. There's something about the vibrant colors, the gentle breeze, and the sound of birds chirping that just sparks inspiration. It's like nature's hitting the reset button on my creativity, reminding me of the beauty and possibility that surrounds us.
The power of connection can be transformative in our lives. As we grow into adulthood and beyond, the more we connect with our community and those that we do life with, the more trusting and interdependent we become. Even from birth we were meant to depend on those around us. Babies cry to let those around them know that they need them. As we grow and go through life, young adults and adults alike react naturally when we need people. We cry when we miss someone in our lives, we are angry when someone hurts us or those around us, we are excited when we see someone special. Our bodies naturally produce these emotions.
So, as we trust, grow comfortable, and learn to depend on one another, our potential to thrive, create, and then help others around us only increases. It’s a truly powerful thing when we meet new people, discover the attributes of those around us, and impact our communities through interdependence with each other.
Newsletter 035
As the weather warms up in the midwest, there’s a fresh energy emerging! The sun is shining and the activity on the sidewalks and public places is teaming with people gathering. As the number of people increases, the speed of urgency is drawn back by a pull toward slowing down to literally stop and smell the roses. This newsletter is filled with ways to ease your load while increasing efficiency!
Spend less time on the computer and more time with people! Are you wrestling with how to create a social media presence that’s fresh and noticeable? We can help! We create social media templates that represent your brand through a deeper understanding of what your followers want to see. Whether it be through weekly Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIN posts, we can create templates and posts that strengthen your brand’s presence! Email us at hello@mariondesign.co to get started!
Beginning March 21st, our kitchen door will be open to our community for a casual lunchtime together every first and third Thursday of the month 12:00-1:30. Bring your sack lunch or grab a sandwich at one of our local cafes and join us for a break from work! If it’s a work lunch, consider meeting here at the Kennedy Art Center kitchen. Either way, you’re welcome!
Don’t want to go back to your office after lunch? Stay and work with us! Kennedy Art Center is a co-working space! The environment connects you to the outside while enjoying the comfort of the indoors. Whether it’s sitting in the gallery surrounded by the color of the current exhibit and large views of the outdoors through picture windows or in our dining kitchen with the garage door wide open to let the fresh air in, you’re sure to be productive while building community. For just $5.00 stay as long as you want (while we’re open 😀) and enjoy a cold drink or hot coffee. Cheaper than Starbucks and much quieter!
As the weather warms up and we permit ourselves more time for leisure, reading is one of the best activities for relaxing while sharpening our minds. It’s one of the best ways to increase our imagination! Reading improves sleep, exercises our brain, reduces stress, teaches empathy, expands our lifespan, and more. Here’s what our team is reading! Let us know what books you recommend!
The Kennedy Art Center is now accepting applications for our upcoming exhibition “Space Between.” This show seeks to highlight artwork that investigates the gap between one thing and another, whether that be objects, concepts, or mindsets. This could include the literal, physical space between two things, such as an alleyway: the space between two buildings. It could also refer to the gap between two social classes, or the transitionary period between two phases of life - even playing with scale or comparison: perhaps the space between a grassroots organization and its community vs. an individual in that community. Interpretation of the show’s theme can be varied, and creativity in exploring it is welcomed. Click on the link to learn more and submit an application before March 19th. The deadline is March 19th!
Our final suggestion for launching a new perspective is to celebrate the past. We’re doing that by looking back at each iteration of the Marion Made Fashion Show.
2024 was no exceptions as each event had its own unique flare sparked by the people who share their creative talents.
Bringing back the workshop and topping it off with a gallery exhibit, 2024’s Marion Made was the most ambitious series of events yet! Click on the links below to catch a video glimpse of the 2018, 2019, and our most recent 2024 show!
Emily Troutner, Chief Design Officer
Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the sun is a little warmer, and everything just seems to come alive again. As a designer, I find this time of year rejuvenating and inspiring. There's something about the vibrant colors, the gentle breeze, and the sound of birds chirping that just sparks inspiration. It's like nature's hitting the reset button on my creativity, reminding me of the beauty and possibility that surrounds us.
So, here's my challenge to you: ditch your desk for a bit and take a walk outside. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Let the fresh air clear your head and open you up to new ideas. You might be surprised by what you find – a cool pattern on a leaf, a conversation with a neighbor you haven't seen in a while, or simply a renewed sense of calm that fuels your creativity. After all, sometimes the best way to get inspired is to simply be present in the moment and connect with the world around you. Grab a friend, a sketchbook, or even just your phone to capture some inspiration. You never know what creative spark you might ignite, and who knows, you might even spark a collaboration or two along the way! So get out there and let spring do its magic!
Grateful.
Gratitude and complaining cannot coexist. Attempts to have it both ways emerges when we include a “but” in the…
Gratitude and complaining cannot coexist. Attempts to have it both ways emerges when we include a “but” in the sentence. I’m so grateful for __________, but I hate it when __________________. What? How can a feeling of generosity and an attitude of stinginess exist in the same thought? The latter discounts the former.
So choose which attitude you value most and stick to it. You can’t have it both ways and be happy.
Newsletter 034
There’s freedom in “anything” as long as the foundation from which you’re driven isn’t suppressing the freedom in someone else. It’s a dance that requires others to join you on the dance floor! Many won’t join unless they’re invited.
As you read this month's newsletter, you may be asking yourself, “What’s a design company doing hosting a Fashion Show and Cooking Classes while also creating book covers, logos, and design thinking sessions? Let’s just say, we consider the design space our dance floor. With the crowd swaying to the sounds of celebration, we carry the rhythm of unreasonable hospitality with a certain responsibility to elevate our community’s assets. Design allows us to do that.
Creativity meets consciousness in this 3rd Annual collaborative fashion exhibit of Marion's residents' ingenuity. Originally inspired by the Marion Cinema House showcasing the “True Cost” documentary hosted by Marion Design Co, Marion Made was launched in 2018 to inform and inspire our community to consider the harmful impact placed on our environment and people by the fast fashion industry. Followed by another show in 2019 and a pause through COVID, this re-emergence of Marion Made through a partnership with the Marion Arts Commission is concluded with this exhibit of a three-chapter story.
Marion Made Fashion Workshop: On January 20th, the Kennedy Art Center hosted a workshop packed with hopeful participants from Indianapolis to Marion, ready to take on the challenge of creating an outfit that met the objective of designing from resourced clothing and other materials supplied by Renewed Boutique and local residents. After brief instruction, each individual or team selected their materials and set out to create an outfit. With sewing machines, hot glue, and a lot of ingenuity, eighteen outfits emerged as runway-ready.
Marion Made Fashion Runway Show: On February 3rd, the Kennedy Art Center was transformed into a high-end fashion show with a thirty-two-foot long runway, red light washing the walls, rows, and rows of chairs, and a lively stage backdrop. With a packed house of standing-room-only onlookers, the models emerged one by one taking the stage, donning their reinvented outfits. After the show, the panel of judges and the audience voted for the outfits that best emulated the five categories of the competition: Sustainability, Craftsmanship, Je Ne Sais Quoi, AccessAbility, and People’s Choice awards.
Marion Made Fashion Gallery Exhibit: Showcasing a remarkable fusion of fashion and environmental awareness, each garment displayed embodies the spirit of reinvention, crafted with care from re-purposed materials sourced locally. Every piece of clothing carries a story, not just of style, but of a global supply chain that often neglects ethical and sustainable practices. Even the mannequins that display the outfits are made of resourced materials. Art + Design students at Indiana Wesleyan University were charged with the challenge to create “flat-packed” mannequins from cardboard that represented the outfit they selected. Not only do the outfits display local creativity, but the mannequins mirror the innovative spirit as well.
This series of events celebrates the power of design in people. Fashion, in this case, was the medium selected to bring people together to recognize our own assets. No matter what age, economy, culture, or political preference, celebrating the efforts of individuals to create beauty unifies our focus. We’re grateful for all of our partners who made this series a huge success!
It’s not too late to sign up for our first SLŌ Supper! We are featuring our neighbor, Jeff Richardson, owner of the popular Obi’s Barbecue in downtown Marion. SLŌ Supper brings an elevated one-night dining experience with a menu never before shared with the public crafted by a local chef. This three-course meal with wine pairings is sure to be delicious in an environment that brings celebration to your midweek!
The market is flooded with books on every topic but rarely is there a text that checks off the boxes of story telling and personal insight from insightful young writers who happen to be sisters! We recently completed a book design for a newly launched text entitled: We Don’t Know Either: Embracing the “I Don’t Knows” with Full Reliance on Jesus. Published by Streamline Books, Alyssa and Amaya Thompson’s honesty and humble approach to navigating worldly advice against Godly wisdom. Yes, you can buy it on Amazon. We’ll soon have it for sale in the store. So support local and come into the store or buy it online on our website. We’ll notify you when it’s available in Marion.
Our first cooking class was a hit, celebrating the care for our community and intentional focus on healthy and delicious food! Jennifer Noseworthy taught us how to make a one-pot meal using sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, and bowtie pasta without the wait for the water to boil!
Our second class features sourdough bread! Reka Brookes will be teaching best practices for making this delicious favorite!
Join us on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:00 pm at the Kennedy Art Center Kitchen. The cost is $15. Bring a large mixing bowl and a dishtowel to cover your bread.
Reservations for the gallery, conference room, and kitchen spaces are available for parties, meetings, and events at the Kennedy Art Center. Make your reservation for 2024-25!
Brittany Long, Chief Operations Officer
When I was a teacher, celebrating holidays was the most joyful experience. It didn’t matter if they were in 4th grade or middle school, kids love a good reason to eat sugary treats and play games. I remember one year as a teacher, we ended class two hours early so we could set up the classroom and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The students had previously decorated brown paper lunch bags in red and pink paper with their names on them. With those out, students went around delivering their valentines to each other. Every single person received a valentine. And then we played games and ate cupcakes and then I sent them home jittery on sugar to their parents. I know some state that Valentine’s Day isn’t a real holiday. Others love to celebrate with gifts or flowers. Whatever camp you find yourself in, this “love” week brings pause to the question - how do you show love to your loved ones? Do you like to buy gifts or cards to show you care? Do you prefer spending quality time getting coffee or dinner with them? Are you more of an activities person who likes to go out and do things with their person?
My other question for you is - how do you receive love? Is it the same way you show love to others or is it different? For me, I really enjoy quality time both as a gift and to give. I challenge you this month to reflect on how you loved the people in your life. As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.”
Selvage vs. Salvage
Selvage: an edge produced that prevents a thing from unraveling.
Salvage: property saved when everything is unraveling.
Are you in selvage or salvage mode?
Selvage: an edge produced that prevents a thing from unraveling.
Salvage: property saved when everything is unraveling.
Are you in selvage or salvage mode?