Most people know the quote "Everything means nothing until you make it something." This one aphorism is as powerful as it is brief. The truth is that our search for "meaning" in life is both our gift and curse. If you're anything like us, then chances are high that you've already taken a lot of steps to acknowledge and double-down on the legacy and long-term thinking. Yet, what happens in the interim? How do you make it through each day knowing that you likely won't see the fruits of your...

If you've never heard of Valerio  Olgiati, then there's a great chance that you're just like 99% of other people who wake up every day without architecture being their primary source of focus. Yet, what should be said about one of the most important Swiss architects of his generation (a title bestowed by Herzog and de Meuron co-founder himself). What makes his work so different? And, what aphorisms are perhaps worth indulging in? In this installment of our "Well Read" segment, we take a new...

If you're anything like 99.9% of artists, then you probably worry from time to time if you're becoming too predictable. Deep down you want to create something that's truly new. You want new ways to create within the strict boundaries of your medium. In short, you're looking for a creative breakthrough. The good news is that you don't have to stay stuck in this place forever. In this lecture, we cover specific steps that you can take to:  Gain a better understanding of what your "style"...

Most artists and designers are in pursuit of many things at once. Life seems to move at warp speed while art seems to fight to keep pace. Perhaps your pursuit is simply to find some reasonable understanding of the world's inner workings. Yes, you are a contrarian, but you also recognize the need for quality structure in order to exist in the world. In short, you're frustrated because you're not sure how to begin creating your own code of conduct and first principles.  If this problem sounds...

Yancy is a Creative Director at ASD Sky (a multi-disciplinary design firm headquartered in Atlanta). As a graduate from SCAD, Yancy has over 15 years of experience in branded environments, store design, brand design, graphic design, and identity. Some of the topics covered in this episode include, but aren’t limited to: Fostering creativity in your team as a creative director Identifying a sweet spot between seeking autonomy versus exposure Producing a body of work that has a...

Most people know that an infinite number of options gives way to very little creativity. Decision making becomes hard. This conundrum becomes even more potent when considering what it takes to initiate work of your own without the guidance of client requirements. If this problem sounds familiar to you, then you're in the right place. Some of the topics we cover include:  How to use constraints to your advantage How constraints can be an idea machine Why it might make sense to make work...

Rejection comes in all shapes and sizes. It damages our self-esteem. It goes against our tribe-like nature. And, MRI brain scans prove that the same part of the brain is activated during emotional trauma as in physical trauma.  Most people already know these things to be true, but what comes next? What are we supposed to do once we are faced with these inevitabilities. If this problem is consistent for you, then this episode contains several strategies to help you move out of this place and...

Chances are high that your sketchbook is full of unfinished shapes, poems, graphics, etc. You feel that you've failed because they haven't materialized in any way. You know you should catalog these ideas in some way. Yet, you are unsure of how to move forward. And, what's worse, you have nothing to show for all of the work and time you've spent on these not yet projects. The good news is that you don't have to stay stuck in this place. In this episode, we'll cover a simple method to relieve...

Most people spend a lot of time pre-planning all the great things they're going to do in the new year. Yet, when the rubber meets the road, all of that planning gets put to the test. Jobs start having demands. Schools start assigning projects. And, before you know it the weather warms up and half of what you planned is left on the cutting room floor. If any of this sounds like you, then we have a simple framework that will serve as a centering activity each and every month, week, or...

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If you're anything like us, then chances are quite high that starting from scratch and being a beginner at a new skill comes with its fair share of frustrations and shortcomings. The good news is that there are a few helpful tips that will help you overcome these common emotions.  Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow Us on Instagram

Most people are wondering this time of year how they will best use the seconds, minutes, and hours leading into the new year. Yet, very few of these people actually will get the result they want. In this installment of our 'Incomplete Thoughts' segment, we offer some provocations on the topic of distinguishing yourself from the crowd.  Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram

In this installment of our 'Well Read' segment, we offer some biographical and contextual insight into the life and work of David Chipperfield.  Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram

If you're new to running your own studio or practice, then you might find that your biggest challenge has little to do with being able to execute the work in front of you. And, instead, it has to do simply getting work in front of you to execute on. Most people who face this problem spin their wheels in the dirt swinging for homerun projects while passing up on all the base hits along the way. If this sounds like you, then this lecture is for you. Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on...

Most creative people aspire to one day run their own practice, studio, office, or firm. Yet, in most cases, their aspirations never quite come true. In this installment of our 'Incomplete Thoughts' segment, we cover why this phenomenon happens so frequently and anyone can shift their thinking and change the way they approach building their design business. Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow Us on Instagram

In this installment of our 'Well Read' segment, we offer some biographical and contextual insight into the life and work of Vertner Woodson Tandy--the first black architect registered in the state of NY. Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram

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Marcus Hollinger is the SVP of Marketing at Reach Records, an independent hip hop label based in Atlanta, GA with a roster of artists, including: Andy Mineo, Lecrae, Wande, and more. For roughly an hour, Marcus shares stories of his upbringing, daily practice, shortcomings, accomplishments and more.  Support Portrait Coffee Marcus Hollinger IG Portrait Coffee IG Reach Records IG Subscribe to our Newsletter

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