Josh Chen

It’s difficult to fix what you don’t see. Male defaults are so prevalent that they’re nearly invisible unless you know how to look for them. With gender-intentional design, IDEO is pushing back against these practices, and challenging the reign of male defaults in digital products and beyond. https://lnkd.in/ghPyAbDg

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So, on the heels of my post about senior independent designers / art directors not really having anywhere to go in terms of advancement, mostly financially, what I feel like I'm seeing is a lot of millennials who have gone freelance over the last 10-20 years with promise of more freedom to choose clients and projects, and potentially make a good living at higher rates and being able to work on their terms and schedule... Is actually the industry is now very saturated. Not just with freelancers. But with agencies vying for the work of companies / corporations. Everyone feels fairly disposable, and like quality isn't prioritized in many cases. We also have no union, so agencies and companies can do whatever they want, really. So now, there is no pathway for those of us who have 15-20 years of experience to either raise rates and continue to work for our client base. Or get a full time job, because that market is also saturated so between the option of someone who has had 15 years experience freelance vs. 15 years experience in-house, for an in-house job, they're going to go with the latter. (I don't even get a first round call with in-house jobs anymore.) It's all very interesting that so much of this is coming to light in the age of Pluto in Aquarius. Our ways of work are never going to be the same again. And, while some of us will find ways to shift and still do this work, many of us will look to other ways to fill our time—be that having to make money elsewhere and/or pursuing and aligning to our mission work, our true calling. It all makes perfect sense. But I think it's funny that, as someone who graduated during the 2008 recession, right when Pluto moved into Capricorn, when the first wave of freelancers were leaving ad agencies and social media was becoming a personal tool for work and creativity, when it was all very aspirational and yet confusing... I remember countless AIGA talks and the like of people going this route. That we all find ourselves here. Please continue to share and update about how you're adapting, whether you're freelance, in house, agency. I'm so curious!

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Another Ted Chiang banger. "Not all writing needs to be creative, or heartfelt, or even particularly good; sometimes it simply needs to exist. Such writing might support other goals, such as attracting views for advertising or satisfying bureaucratic requirements. When people are required to produce such text, we can hardly blame them for using whatever tools are available to accelerate the process. But is the world better off with more documents that have had minimal effort expended on them? It would be unrealistic to claim that if we refuse to use large language models, then the requirements to create low-quality text will disappear. However, I think it is inevitable that the more we use large language models to fulfill those requirements, the greater those requirements will eventually become. We are entering an era where someone might use a large language model to generate a document out of a bulleted list, and send it to a person who will use a large language model to condense that document into a bulleted list. Can anyone seriously argue that this is an improvement?" Based on one of the studies he cites, I feel like we're going to see a driverless car company try to start using rat drivers.

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Gang, Wow. Sharing a unique perspective on where we go from here post-election & well, hold tight cuz the arc is...long. Hawai‘i’s own Norma Wong drops some big time ‘ike here in this podcast that was really the salve i needed. Norma, a contemporary of Aunty Puanani Burgess, is in conversation w/ Adrienne M Brown. Highest level takeaway: We gotta evolve.  It’s the only way out. Here are the key meanings I made: 1. Perspective on the election “I would say that it took about 4,000 yrs for us to get to this point, & so the notion that it could somehow right itself in the course of a few election cycles? That also means we've completely bought into a consumer notion of human history. We can package & sell & buy the answers that will somehow right our ship. The rest of the living universe has figured it out long before we can: if the living universe wants to continue to live, it has to continuously evolve. & we as humans are not doing that very well.” 2. Don’t despair. Stay in the light to build forward “As long as our purpose is about fighting the conditions that we are in, then we will remain in despair….But if our purpose is about shared humanity, it requires the levers for thriving, it means we are the ones who have to do it, & we cannot look to the institutions and the structures that are collapsing around us to do it. And we go about that work. We are in a totally polarized world, that means that there are actually billions of people that we can count on, and billions of people we cannot. And somehow we're giving more power to the billions of people who cannot. We're giving them more power. What is it about that?” 3. We gotta evolve, transform, & work on the human condition. THROUGH STORY AND FIERCE IMAGINGING.  “To be in a state of the beginner's mind, I believe a fruitful state is in the exercise of story. And future story in concrete terms, in which no isms live, and in which thriving is the fiercest possibility. THROUGH BREATH AND MEDITATION. “When we say take a breath, it's not a metaphoric thing. It is to be in that embodied aspect of breath, which there are actual mechanical things to be learned in order for us to breathe deeply connected to the earth, in which the exhale is longer than the inhale. By our breath alone, become like a glowing energy ball in which fierce peace is emanating from us, & therefore we are capable of agency, of our agency... It's that which grounds us to the essential humanity. Without that, we're mechanical living beings rather than actual living beings. THROUGH BEING W/ EACH OTHER.  “…not for the purposes of a transaction.” “THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF THE CULTIVATION OF JOY, even in the most horrific circumstances, to not allow that to die. THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE & ANCESTORS. “The practice of gratitude, particularly seeing and being w/ the various beings, not only human ones, who are every single moment making it possible for where we are right now, & what we can become.

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Here’s the thing: The brand that got you here might not be the one to take you there. When your mission evolves or your reach expands, your brand needs to keep pace. Maybe your audience is younger now, or more diverse, or deeply engaged in a way they weren’t before. (Yay!) But if your visuals, messaging, or website don’t speak to them... you’re leaving connections—and opportunities—on the table. Rebranding isn’t just about looking new and fresh. It’s about making sure your brand is true to who you are today and resonates with the people you’re here to serve. Because, let's be honest, who you are today is not the same as when you started. Here’s what a thoughtful rebrand can do: 🎯 Attract the right supporters, donors, and partners—the ones who align with your mission. 🤩 Build trust and credibility by reflecting your growth and values. ❤️ Increase engagement across every touchpoint—from social media to events to your annual gala. So, if you’ve been feeling a disconnect between where your nonprofit stands and how you’re showing up in the world, it might be time to explore a rebrand. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Ready to start the convo? Book a time with me in January! #NonprofitBranding #Nonprofit #Rebranding #Branding p.s. find the link to my calendar at https://saywhen.studio

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A takeaway from Adobe's AI/Terms of Service controversy: Creatives are, understandably so, on high alert when it comes to product/software changes around AI. Not only to protect our original work and IP but guarding the privacy of our clients and upholding NDA's. Many creatives I know have questions about AI, are vigilant about vetting any changes, and significant news spreads like wildfire. Although many of us use AI tools in our day-to-day or are overall optimistic (myself included), there is still a lot of unease and uncertainty in the community. Communicating changes clearly, in plain English (we're not lawyers), and making clear what it is and is not when making these updates is critical. #ai #creativeleadership

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How solid is your client process? When Kate and I first started The Shed, we didn’t have much structure in place. No contracts, no deposits, and revision requests ran wild. Things felt chaotic. Clients were constantly checking in, feeling out of the loop, and honestly, we were just burning out. Then we had a moment of clarity. One project ended with a client telling us they felt disconnected and wished they’d been more involved. That was a turning point for us. We knew we needed to rethink how we approached client relationships. That’s when we developed what we call Creative Mutualism —a collaborative process where clients are part of the creative journey from the very start. At The Shed, we don’t just work for clients, we work *with* them. It’s a friction-free approach that keeps everyone on the same page and creates stronger, more successful outcomes. Kate, as Studio Manager, ensures every project runs smoothly, while I handle the creative direction. Together, we’ve built a process that protects our energy, keeps clients informed, and leads to better work without the stress. So, what’s one way you can improve your client process today? #CreativeMutualism #ClientCollaboration #TheShedCreative #WorkSmarter #DesignWithBoundaries (Shoutout to my partner in crime, Kate Nash—couldn’t do this without you!)

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I’m currently working on a rebrand presentation for a nonprofit executive team and I developed this visual framework of “The Branding & Comms Tree”. This is a tool for easily understanding the differences and connections between branding and communications. 🌳 Here’s an overview: Roots: These symbolize the foundational elements of Brand Strategy that are internal and unseen by your external audiences. These should be deeply and strategically ingrained in your organization to withstand the ever-changing turmoil on the surface. Trunk & Branches: These represent your Brand Identity—both visual and verbal. These are essential for shaping and supporting the brand’s outward expression. These are also long-lasting but can be pruned and shaped as needed over the years. They bend, sway, and sometimes break—but can always grow back stronger and more fruitful. Leaves & Fruits: These signify the Communication Efforts that directly reach and engage your audience. These are short-term, seasonal activities that are always in flux and the most adaptable to constant change. This holistic framework underscores the interconnection of every branding and communication effort and the role each plays in the health of the overall organization. What do you think? How do you visualize the relationship between branding and communications? #Branding #Communications #GraphicDesign #BrandStrategy #BrandIdentity #Marketing #VisualCommunication #nonprofit

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Envision translating fiscal policy into compelling visual stories. We designers craft visual cues that turn abstract concepts into tangible experiences. It’s a powerful reminder that at the intersection of policy and creativity, there’s a space to influence and inform, ensuring every piece of our design not only catches the eye but also conveys the message effectively.

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This article resonates with me, highlighting the challenges I encountered managing the San Jose public art collection. One particular hurdle involved reconstructing artwork imagery from unusable files due to outdated software limitations. If you require assistance in developing policies and guidelines for your public art collection, feel free to reach out—I'd be happy to help! #artcollectionmanagement #publicart

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My TED Talk on the issue of tokenism in the makeup industry dives into the inherent problem of companies showcasing superficial gestures of inclusivity as a quick ticket to capital. This is extremely discriminatory and reduces people of color into objects to capitalize off of, and reduces us to just our racial identity. I explore the “fenti effect” where it seems like Fenti Beauty is one of few brands who recognize inclusivity as the building bricks of a success beauty business. But like Rhianna once said, “ there needs to be something for a dark skin girl, there needs to be something for a really pale girl, there needs to be something in between”. Change can start by recognizing intersectionality, that we are made off multifaceted layers of identity. Brands must also take time to create the right undertones of shades so that every person can feel included and appreciated. Take the first step. Stop tokenizing people of color, and those who are marginalized. That is how we can take the first step as socially aware consumers and beings in society 🩷.

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Good checklist before sending out your portfolio.

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It's really hard to tie ROI to design. But it's also really hard to separate cost from iteration. Strategic design is cost-effective. Not cheap, cost-effective. Amorphous, tactic-led design is expensive. Iterations on ineffective creative are pricey. GenAI design may help cut some costs, but at the end of the day, it still requires a brain to achieve strategic goals through customer-focused, problem-solving, innovative visuals.

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When Space Becomes Home. A new talk with my partner Mardis Bagley about how spaceflight is evolving to make it easier for the rest of humanity to reach for the stars. Which technologies can support our bodies and minds in an extreme environment featuring microgravity, isolation, stress, limited resources, and radiation exposure? We discussed the role of colors, sound design, sensations, textures, food, culture, rituals, and the neuroscience of rest. We also discussed why we go to space and accelerate innovation in biotech, material science, resource extraction and human resilience. Home is the familiar. It is safe, personalizable, and a place of community. Exploring space gives us the perspective to see that home is also planet Earth, and that she needs care and protection. In Yuri Gagarin's own words: "Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it." Nonfiction XPANSE Zina Jarrahi Cinker, Ph.D. #space #architecture #sensory #neuroscience

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Most approaches to human-centered design miss the mark. Yes, I said it. Too often, people confuse context with humanity. For instance, designing for people with disabilities, at-risk youth, or underfunded communities isn't truly human-centered if it only focuses on their circumstances. Context doesn’t define who I am—my aspirations, emotions, and goals shape my humanity. Design to help me achieve my goals, and that’s when you’ll truly create something human-centered.

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Most approaches to human-centered design miss the mark. Yes, I said it. Too often, people confuse context with humanity. For instance, designing for people with disabilities, at-risk youth, or underfunded communities isn't truly human-centered if it only focuses on their circumstances. Context doesn’t define who I am—my aspirations, emotions, and goals shape my humanity. Design to help me achieve my goals, and that’s when you’ll truly create something human-centered.

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Let’s bring some nutrition into cards. That’s something OPC (Organic Playing Cards) probably thought of themselves when they started to create playing cards with various fruit and vegetable themes. Together their team and I refined OPC’s positioning allowing the brand to double down on the things it is already known for. In a collaborative effort, we discussed ways to redefine OPC during multiple strategy sessions. The goal was to clarify OPC’s voice and approach to ideate, produce, and sell products as a community-first brand. Eager to grow and expand awareness the following are some learnings we discovered. Complete Case Study: https://lnkd.in/ewCPvx3T —- Client: Organic Playing Cards Strategy: Max Jung

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Hey design leaders! Want to know the secret sauce to groundbreaking projects? It's not pinching pennies—it's investing in creative exploration. 🎨💡 Here's the scoop: 1. Budget for Brilliance: Set aside dedicated time for your team to explore, experiment, and yes, even fail. At Upstory, we allocate 1-2 days per project for pure creative diving. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity. 2. Structure the Chaos: Keep your exploration focused with clear objectives, defined limits, and alignment to business goals. It's like giving your creatives a sandbox—with just enough rules to build castles, not scatter sand. 3. Reap the Rewards: This approach doesn't just boost innovation—it skyrockets team satisfaction. Happy designers = stellar work. It's a win-win that'll make your projects shine in the market. Remember, being stingy with creative time is like trying to start a fire with damp matches. Give your team the spark they need, and watch your projects boom. ✨🚀

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