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soulblog: soulsightings around the globe

Posted by James Pietruszynski

The Symbology of Good Luck

As a designer, I am always looking for meaning of symbols, and icons. I want to know what do they represent? Why are they significant? What story are they trying to tell?

Just celebrating the Chinese new year this week, and learning that the year of the dragon is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and fortune in 2012. I am fascinated by how different cultures use icons and symbols in different ways to give meaning and support to a way of life
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Brandsgiving

Thanksgiving has always been one of our favorite holidays, here at Soulsight.

This morning, as we waited patiently in line at the market to pay for our groceries, we began to reflect on how some brands connect to the holiday as if they were one of our guests.

There are brands that in their own unique way provide an authenticity and nostalgia that we have begun to attribute to the warm experience, ritual and tradition of Thanksgiving.

Of course, some brands are just about having fun, which is a lot like Thanksgiving too.


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The Sensitive & Creative Man

I didn’t realize until more recently in my life that it is okay to be a man and be sensitive. I spent most of my childhood wondering why certain things made me upset and emotional. How come my brothers or buddies didn’t seem to be rattled or moved in the same way I was? I’ve been told that it has a lot to do with being a creative thinker.

I wasn’t totally convinced that this was true or socially acceptable until I met my father-in-law. A man who I admire not only for his intelligence and...


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Long Live Penmanship

Having a child in elementary school still leaning how to print made me interested in a segment on CBS last Sunday morning reported by Tracy Smith.

It was an interesting piece that made me question, “Will penmanship and the written word disappear and be replaced by keyboarding?” Americans send 294 billion emails and nearly five billion text messages EVERY DAY. (My closest friends will tell you I am responsible for a good number of those text messages.)

After doing some history, I found that it was not till the turn of the century that penmanship was taught in our schools...


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The Daily Find

Featured Artist: Alfredo Häberli

alfredo haberli
A short but inspiring film illustrating the playful style and interesting creative process of product designer Alfredo Häberli.

The Daily Find is Soulsight's daily inspiration column. View the entire archive or Subscribe to the blog to receive new inspiration every day. Share your daily finds with us on Twitter using #DailyFind for the chance to be featured.


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The Daily Find

Featured Artist: Ron van der Ende

ron van der endeRon van der Ende is a sculptor living in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He specializes in wall mounted bas-reliefs constructed from found wood. The original color and texture of the wood is utilized to form a gripping and realistic mosaic. The realism is further enhanced by the perspective built into the relief. Van der Ende uses his method to conjure up dark industrial and space age imagery.

The Daily Find is Soulsight's daily inspiration column. View the entire archive or Subscribe to the blog to receive new inspiration every day. Share your daily finds with us on Twitter using #DailyFind for the chance to be featured.


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Grannies Inc: Customization Made With Love Authenticity

Trying to keep warm on these cold midwestern days, I was looking for a new scarf and mittens.

I came across this website... Grannies Inc

Not only are you able to design your own knitwear, but you can choose which grandma to knit it for you. The ultimate in customization and authenticity! Love it. I feel warm and loved already.


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Watching the Super Bowl Was Inspiring in Another Way

The contemporary art in Cowboys Stadium is amazing. It reminded me that the sport arenas of our past contained art. Why not a football stadium? What a great way to express energy and excitement!

If you did not catch the piece on the installations, or like me, don't live in the Dallas area, you can check out the work on the stadium's website.


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Soul Insights

2011 Trends Forecast...Time to Reconnect

Our team at Soulsight has studied several trend documents and forecast reports for 2011. After analyzing all the information, we identified 4 themes that we believe will influence design and consumer behavior in the new year...


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Branding Through the Eyes of a 5 Year Old

Recently I have been reviewing Alina Wheeler’s book “Designing Brand Identity,” and was particularly interested in the study on simple brand identity elements and their meaning.

I decided to test my son, who is 5 and not quite reading yet. I gathered some of the most recognizable brands and asked him what they were and what they meant to him. I was curious which brands he could identify and then wondered if he could explain what they stood for. He did better than I expected. It’s amazing the power that some of these brands have, and how they...


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