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!
