Insights • Graphic Design USA https://gdusa.com The nation’s most popular news source for graphic design business, ideas, and opportunities. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:43:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://gdusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/icon-gdusa.svg Insights • Graphic Design USA https://gdusa.com 32 32 Creative Comment: Reflections of An Inhouse Veteran https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-reflections-of-a-35-year-inhouse-veteran/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:45:47 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85503 Andy Epstein argues that in 2026, inhouse designers are too often sidelined—despite the tremendous value they bring to their organizations.

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]]> Creative Comment: Why Designers Should Choose A Local Printer https://gdusa.com/creative-commentary-how-designers-should-choose-a-printer-and-why-local-should-come-first/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:17:25 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85891 Choosing a printer is more than a production decision—it's a values decision. Shane Lukas discusses how local print partners can elevate quality and impact.

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]]> Oak & Stone Restaurant Chain Gets A Push https://gdusa.com/oak-stone-restaurant-chain-expansion-gets-a-push/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:21:59 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=86191 A redesign of Oak & Stone by Push spans brand identity, interiors, messaging, digital experiences and the company’s signature self-pour tap wall, supporting the launch of its newest location in McKinney TX.

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]]> Think of Presentation Folder Design As Information Packaging https://gdusa.com/presentation-folder-design-gives-shape-to-information-packaging/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:11:26 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85524 Like all effective packaging, a strategically designed presentation folder gives loose materials coherence, sequence, and logic, turning simple containment into a more deliberate user experience.

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]]> Creative Comment: Good Design Is Felt Before It Is Explained https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-good-design-is-felt-before-it-is-explained/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:45:22 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85296 Great designers create harmony, clarity, and trust — the invisible qualities people feel before they think. Contrast that with AI...

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]]> Creative Comment: What AI Can and Cannot Do https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-ai-versus-agency/ Fri, 08 May 2026 16:00:20 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85125 In this piece, ‘AI vs. Agency,’ a branding thought leader explores what AI can — and cannot — do for a brand. Rachel Teoh argues that AI’s greatest risk to brands isn't poor design, it's convergent design.

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]]> Creative Comment: Brand & Product Design As One https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-when-brand-product-design-become-one/ Tue, 05 May 2026 14:01:38 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85241 In this piece, ‘When Brand and Product Design Become One,’ Allison Connell of Athletics asserts that today’s most successful brands behave as cohesive systems where typography, motion, interface behaviors, and content architecture all express the same idea.

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]]> Creative Comment: The Risk of Cultural Bias in AI https://gdusa.com/creative-commentary-the-risk-of-cultural-bias-in-ai/ Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:33 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=85475 Creative professionals are increasingly using AI, but, says Moses Everett, we must not let its cultural biases erase, dominate or replace creative and strategic direction. Shining a light on cultures being overlooked and on the importance of diversity is part of the solution.

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]]> Creative Comment: The Meaning of ‘Taste’ In The Age Of AI https://gdusa.com/creative-commentary-taste-in-the-age-of-ai/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:39:32 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=84899 Brennan McGrath of Combo argues that as AI gets better at replicating ‘good taste,’ the brands that win will be the ones that can hold a little contradiction without smoothing it out, and can believe in something before it makes sense.

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]]> Creative Comment: Branding Fast-Evolving Companies https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-branding-through-a-companys-transformation/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:30:13 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=84809 Vincent Roffers of Agenda argues that, with companies and brands that are transforming, brand narratives must continuously adapt to reflect current capabilities and strategic shifts — or risk underselling the company’s true value.

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]]> Creative Comment: SWAG (And An Example) for Designers https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-swag-for-designers-not-other-peoples-logos/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:38:33 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=84689 How would you respond to a painful layoff? Emily Lozano, a Chicago graphic designer with experience in print, digital and packaging across many industries, is adapting to challenge and change. ‘You take action’ she says.

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]]> The GDUSA Podcast #18: Paul Leibowitz of Leibowitz https://gdusa.com/the-gdusa-podcast-18-paul-leibowitz-of-leibowitz/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:00:45 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=83826 For over 30 years, Paul Leibowitz and his team have created branding and strategy solutions that help clients face ever-evolving industry landscapes and set the foundations that drive success. Publisher Gordon Kaye describes the firm’s output as “honest, authentic, intelligent, clear, powerful and consistent.”

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]]> This Is How Graphic Designers Stay Ahead Of AI https://gdusa.com/this-is-how-graphic-designers-stay-ahead-of-ai/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:59:36 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=84044 Design in the age of AI isn't simply production. It's editorial judgement, cultural fluency, and strategic storytelling with a flare that only human ingenuity can provide.

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]]> Creative Comment: Design That Scales https://gdusa.com/creative-commentary-design-that-scales/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:21:33 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=83569 Erin Lentz, Executive Director of Design at ArtVersion, discusses maintaining your design system as your company grows. She argues here that ‘scaling doesn’t have to dilute design. It just exposes whether design has a backbone. When that backbone exists, the work can grow without losing itself.’

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]]> Creative Comment: I Thought It Was Lotion. It Was Soap. https://gdusa.com/i-thought-it-was-lotion-it-was-soap/ Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:51:28 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=83295 Simone Pimento explains how a very normal mistake exposes the quiet logic behind modern beauty packaging

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]]> Creative Comment: In AI Era, Schools Must Rethink Identities https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-in-ai-era-schools-must-rethink-identities/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:02:25 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=83600 According to Bud Rodecker, Partner and Design Director of Span, as AI spreads educational institutions need new identities built on a foundation of their histories. He says that “to move forward, they must look back.”

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]]> Creative Comment: The New Nostalgia of Tactile Design https://gdusa.com/creative-comment-the-new-nostalgia-of-tactile-design/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:55:50 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=83268 In 2026, the trends that resonate with customers are designs with personality, sincerity, emotion, and a human touch. The handmade, textured, and imperfect have become valuable precisely because they can't be automated or easily recreated.

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]]> Creative Comment: AI and The Rise of Slop Design https://gdusa.com/humphrey-ai-and-the-rise-of-slop-design/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:39:21 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=82979 For anyone who works in a creative industry like advertising, marketing, brand, web or graphic design, copywriting, or film and animation, AI’s impact cannot be overstated or ignored. But tools are dumb things, only as good as the people using them.

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]]> Creative Commentary: Design Is Not Speed. Never Was. Never Will Be. https://gdusa.com/design-is-not-speed-never-was-never-will-be/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:47:20 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=82574 A veteran art director and designer on why judgment remains the central skill of professional design-not style, not trend awareness, not technical proficiency alone.

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]]> The GDUSA Podcast #17: Amy Mangan & Lucy Marino https://gdusa.com/the-gdusa-podcast-17-amy-mangan-lucy-marino-of-robert-half/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:32:04 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=82654 In this episode, we’re joined by two experts to break down the 2026 Salary Guide and what the latest trends mean for both creative professionals and hiring managers.

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]]> Shinde: AI Detectors – Gatekeepers of Trust or Just Another Checkbox? https://gdusa.com/shinde-ai-detectors-new-gatekeepers-of-trust-or-just-another-checkbox/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:44:10 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=82572 One click, and your work is on trial. A student uploads an essay to the campus portal. A content manager drops a draft into an “AI checker” before it goes live. A manager quietly runs a report through a detector to see if an employee leaned on ChatGPT. In each case, a hidden algorithm decides […]

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]]> The AD’s Role Is Being Rewritten for the Digital Era: Yana Grishchuk https://gdusa.com/yana-grishchuk-the-role-of-art-director-is-being-rewritten-for-the-digital-era/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:23:52 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=82058 The role of the art director is no longer defined solely by visual mastery. Today’s AD operates where creativity meets technology, strategy, and human psychology.

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]]> Shane Lukas: Leading With Values is Good Business For Agencies https://gdusa.com/leading-with-values-is-good-business-for-small-agencies/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:43:33 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=81562 Shane Lukas heads A Great Idea and has more than 25 years of award-winning brand strategy, graphic design, and development experience. A public speaker and lifelong harm reduction advocate for social justice through community organizing and education, Shane argues that it is vital for small agencies to be grounded in values so that ‘we make sure the work we do stays purpose-driven and that we keep showing up for what matters.’

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]]> Flourish My Review: Visualizing Growth Through Design And Data https://gdusa.com/flourish-my-review-visualizing-growth-through-design-and-data/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:13:28 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=81578 Flourish My Review is a personal data visualization project created by Sapna Badhan for her MA at SCAD that explores the connection between creativity and emotion.

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]]> Lucy Marino: Hiring & Careers In A Digital-First Design World https://gdusa.com/design-in-a-digital-first-world-what-it-means-for-hiring-careers/ https://gdusa.com/design-in-a-digital-first-world-what-it-means-for-hiring-careers/#respond Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:29:35 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80769 The future of design is digital, data-driven and deeply creative. How can creative professionals and hiring managers best adapt? Some thoughts from the executive director of the creative and marketing practice at global talent solutions firm Robert Half.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/design-in-a-digital-first-world-what-it-means-for-hiring-careers/feed/ 0 Don’t Play Cultural Guessing Games When Designing Images https://gdusa.com/dont-play-cultural-guessing-games-when-designing-images/ Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:57:49 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=81446 Joycelyn David, CEO of AV Communications and author of The Multicultural Mindset, calls for a new standard - one where cultural accuracy, not just visual polish, defines creative excellence.

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]]> What’s Really Keeping Creative Directors Up At Night? https://gdusa.com/whats-really-keeping-creative-directors-up-at-night/ https://gdusa.com/whats-really-keeping-creative-directors-up-at-night/#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:18:45 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80816 Dustin Black has a sobering truth to share: creative directors are not just managing creative departments anymore – they are leading organizations through a fundamental transformation.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/whats-really-keeping-creative-directors-up-at-night/feed/ 0 Shane Lukas: Creative Agencies Have Obligation To Queer Creatives https://gdusa.com/shane-lukas-creative-agencies-have-obligation-to-queer-creatives/ https://gdusa.com/shane-lukas-creative-agencies-have-obligation-to-queer-creatives/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:09:16 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80363 In this social and political moment, as queer communities are being targeted, Shane Lukas of AGI explains how design agencies can intentionally uplift queer creatives.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/shane-lukas-creative-agencies-have-obligation-to-queer-creatives/feed/ 0 Deanna Rosa: Leading With Clarity & Confidence https://gdusa.com/deanna-rosa-leading-with-clarity-confidence/ https://gdusa.com/deanna-rosa-leading-with-clarity-confidence/#respond Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:36:02 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80548 Deanna Rosa is senior designer and writer at 7 Layer Studio. Building a strong brand involves countless decisions, and, she asserts, a few key practices can make all the difference in helping you get unstuck.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/deanna-rosa-leading-with-clarity-confidence/feed/ 0 Artisan: Why Your Portfolio Is Being Ignored https://gdusa.com/artisan-why-your-portfolio-is-being-ignored/ https://gdusa.com/artisan-why-your-portfolio-is-being-ignored/#respond Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:23:31 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80604 When time is tight, sameness gets skipped. A recent study of hiring managers reviewing design applications found the average decision time was just 55 seconds. Your portfolio has to make a compelling case immediately.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/artisan-why-your-portfolio-is-being-ignored/feed/ 0 There Is No Such Thing As Boring Data — There Are Just Boring Stories https://gdusa.com/theres-no-boring-data-just-boring-stories/ https://gdusa.com/theres-no-boring-data-just-boring-stories/#respond Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:59:25 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80264 Ultimately, data isn’t just numbers; it’s human activity, translated. And when you recognize that, you start to treat data less like an abstract artifact and more like a living, breathing entity.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/theres-no-boring-data-just-boring-stories/feed/ 0 Creative Comment: When Fonts Become Fear Tactics https://gdusa.com/when-fonts-become-fear-tactics-ai-licensing-and-legalities/ https://gdusa.com/when-fonts-become-fear-tactics-ai-licensing-and-legalities/#respond Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:20:04 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80219 By Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a creative agency that brings together the power of design and the purpose of philanthropy. With a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and mission-aligned visual storytelling, Rochelle has spent her career helping nonprofits and social impact organizations better communicate their values, advocate for change, […]

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]]> https://gdusa.com/when-fonts-become-fear-tactics-ai-licensing-and-legalities/feed/ 0 Lucy Marino: Building a Design Team for CX Success in 2025 https://gdusa.com/building-a-design-team-for-cx-success-in-2025/ https://gdusa.com/building-a-design-team-for-cx-success-in-2025/#respond Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:40:42 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=80119 BY LUCY MARINO, executive director of the marketing and creative practice at global talent solutions firm Robert Half  which connects employers with skilled marketing, creative, digital, advertising and public relations professionals to meet their specialized recruiting needs. Marino manages strategy and operations for the company’s marketing and creative talent solutions teams across U.S. locations.   *** […]

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]]> https://gdusa.com/building-a-design-team-for-cx-success-in-2025/feed/ 0 Editors Letter: Whatever Works https://gdusa.com/editors-letter-whatever-works/ https://gdusa.com/editors-letter-whatever-works/#respond Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:54:11 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=79762 This comment first appeared in our June 2025 print and digital magazines which feature our 62nd annual Print Design Reader Survey and our 25th annual Digital Design Awards Showcase and the 23rd annual LogoLounge Trend Report.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/editors-letter-whatever-works/feed/ 0 Brandon Identity Reflects Next Chapter https://gdusa.com/brandon-launches-new-identity-to-reflect-next-chapter/ https://gdusa.com/brandon-launches-new-identity-to-reflect-next-chapter/#respond Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:52:51 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=79483 The Brandon Agency’s rebrand signals sharper positioning, a fearless tone, and a future-ready approach for the venerable firm.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/brandon-launches-new-identity-to-reflect-next-chapter/feed/ 0 Placek: What Brands Can Learn From Cézanne https://gdusa.com/unleashing-creativity-what-can-brands-learn-from-cezannes-revolutionary-art/ https://gdusa.com/unleashing-creativity-what-can-brands-learn-from-cezannes-revolutionary-art/#respond Sun, 01 Jun 2025 11:38:45 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=79401 David Placek, founder of Lexicon Branding, writes about one of his favorite artists, Paul Cézanne, and what his art and approach can teach brands today.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/unleashing-creativity-what-can-brands-learn-from-cezannes-revolutionary-art/feed/ 0 Angelo Ferrara: Art of the Label https://gdusa.com/a-big-story-in-just-a-few-millimeters/ https://gdusa.com/a-big-story-in-just-a-few-millimeters/#respond Sun, 25 May 2025 18:37:57 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=79045 Angelo Ferrara discusses the power and design challenge of creating brand identities on tiny spaces and labels that are no bigger than a postage stamp.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/a-big-story-in-just-a-few-millimeters/feed/ 0 Owens: Creative Technology Shapes Living Brands https://gdusa.com/owens-creative-technology-is-reimagining-brand-experiences/ https://gdusa.com/owens-creative-technology-is-reimagining-brand-experiences/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 20:00:48 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=79369 Matt Owens of Athletics discusses the integration of creative technology into the brand development processes, highlighting how to bring technology upstream to inform brand systems.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/owens-creative-technology-is-reimagining-brand-experiences/feed/ 0 Kim Berlin: When A Brand You Create Gets ‘Hijacked’ https://gdusa.com/kim-berlin-one-designers-reckoning-in-real-time/ https://gdusa.com/kim-berlin-one-designers-reckoning-in-real-time/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 20:00:19 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=78657 When Kim Berlin designed Avelo’s visual identity in 2020, she could have not guessed the airline would someday sign a contract with Homeland Security to fly deportation charters for ICE. How does a legendary designer make sense of it when a brand built from a place of love and connection acts in support of fear and disconnection? Berlin’s Substack, from which this writing is taken, is at iamkimberlin.substack.com

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]]> https://gdusa.com/kim-berlin-one-designers-reckoning-in-real-time/feed/ 0 Rethinking Packaging For A Sustainable World https://gdusa.com/rethinking-packaging-for-a-sustainable-world/ https://gdusa.com/rethinking-packaging-for-a-sustainable-world/#respond Sat, 10 May 2025 13:47:03 +0000 https://gdusa.com/?p=78654 Miguel Arevalo, Google Packaging Sustainability Lead, discusses the company's approach to sustainable packaging at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025.

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]]> https://gdusa.com/rethinking-packaging-for-a-sustainable-world/feed/ 0