Here is your freshly squeezed design inspiration for the week of April 03, 2023.

TL:DR

• SOMETHING GORGEOUS: Glowing Coral-Like Ceramics by Maxwell Mustardo

• PORTFOLIO OF THE WEEK: Angello Torres

• Tax Heaven 3000 by MSCHF

• Apron Brand Identity

• Heinz Tattoo Ink

• ONE GRAM: Harry Potter by Balenciaga

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Resource of the Week

Notion

One tool that I can't recommend enough to designers and creatives is Notion. In fact, Notion is where this newsletter starts every week. I've created a template that automatically populates my to-do list every week with each section ready to fill, so I don't have to start from scratch.

I also use Notion for tracking my client projects, invoices, and finances. I call it my command center.

I even tested it out to see if I could build an entire portfolio website in Notion—and I did! I’m thinking of releasing it as a free template soon. Shoot me an email if you’d like to use this for yourself.

Get Started with Notion Today

Something Gorgeous

Glowing Coral-Like Ceramics by Maxwell Mustardo

My obsession with texture and color continues! Maxwell Mustardo, an artist from New Jersey, explores surface, form, materiality, and function through his ceramic pieces. His collection titled "Anthropophorae" studies the form of a vase with many varying color combinations.

I think my favorites are "Blue & Pink #2," "Orange #3," and "Blurple #1." They remind me of fluorescent coral from deep in the ocean.

Which ones are your favorite?

View more here

Portfolio Of The Week

Angello Torres

Angello Torres is a freelance designer based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I LOVE HIS PORTFOLIO WEBSITE.

Angello’s quote:

"STYLE BEFORE SUBSTANCES. BREAK ESTABLISHED DESIGN CANONS AS MANY TIMES AS NECESSARY. A LOT OF OBSESSION & A LOT OF SILENCE."

He demonstrates exemplary typography, color palettes, layout, and interaction. He uses 4 different typefaces, including a retro digital typeface, and mixes sizes to guide attention. The motion and hover animations throughout the site keep you engaged.

Portfolio Rating: 9.8/10

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View Angello Torres's portfolio here

Creative Finds

Tax Heaven 3000 by MSCHF

MSCHF is known for playful experiments. For tax season, they worked with TurboTax to develop the Tax Heaven 3000—an anime-style dating sim that will do your taxes for you. Very clever 😂

View more here

Apron Brand Identity

Creative studios Opening Line and Outsiders collaborated on the branding for fintech startup Apron. The design veers away from typical fintech aesthetics. I love the tagline: "Get your Apron on."

View more here

Heinz Tattoo Ink

Brazilian agency Soko created Heinz-colored tattoo ink in the official Pantone shade of Heinz 57 red. Hilarious and bold.

View more here

ONE GRAM

Harry Potter by Balenciaga

@demonflyingfox used AI to generate a deepfake of the Harry Potter cast as models in a 1980s Balenciaga fashion ad. Dumbledore and Hagrid are my favorites, but check out Harry’s chin.

Full video on YouTube

View more on Instagram

One Thing I Learned

Welcome to Thailand!

I am back on the road! Going freelance in 2022 allowed me to prioritize traveling while working.

It took 4 days to arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand:

• Departed Charlotte, connected in Washington for a 14-hour flight to Abu Dhabi (1 night)

• Flew to Bangkok (1 night)

• Finally arrived in Chiang Mai

How I made it happen:

1. Worked full-time since graduation, earning higher pay than agency work.

2. Lived cheaply, sharing a Jersey City apartment with friends.

3. Stayed consistent and saved as much as possible over 8 years.

This allowed me to go freelance confidently while traveling.

If you dream of traveling or going freelance, keep working consistently. Little by little, that day will come, and you’ll enjoy it.

Follow my TikTok for insights on remote work and travel.

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