Blog

  • Apr20
    Tyler Murray

    A multitude of small tasks and decisions have led to substantial changes at 531 E Market Street since February 27th. Three 92% efficient Carrier gas furnaces have been installed as well as all HVAC trunk lines.

    Several channels have been cut in the basement concrete to accommodate a perimeter drain and plumbing for three bathrooms and a coffee bar. Now that the concrete sills that were pored over the original limestone ones have been sawn out, a total of 28 new windows are being installed. Brick repair and replacement is well under way along with the infilling of several non-original... read on

  • Apr19
    David Auble

    Let me start with a little profanity: Internet Explorer.  Okay, so maybe it’s not the type of profanity you were initially thinking, but in the Internet world, Internet Explorer is one of the foulest, most cruel phrases anyone could say.  Why? Simple.  It’s terrible mainly due to its inability to follow simple web standards and user basics.

    I will be fair though, with the release of IE 9, Microsoft has finally begun listening to consumers and web developers alike, by releasing software that follows web standards a bit more strictly. The only new problem we, web developers, face are people... read on

  • Apr04
    Kevin Greek

    Little mistakes can add up.

    Last week I received three pieces of promotional mail from the same bank offering incentives for becoming a new member. Which would be great if I wasn’t already a member. First of all, I’m a little insulted that they don’t even know I’m a member since I’ve been banking with them for over 15 years. Secondly, I started wondering how much money are they wasting since I’m probably not the only member receiving these? Three in one week is rare, but on average I receive four a month. If I do some quick math that comes to 48 pieces (4 x 12 months) of mail annually for... read on

  • Mar30
    Brooke Packard

    SXSW was, as always, a great trip full of inspiration, aha moments and useful tips. Whether it be from a speaker in a panel, a website I checked out b/c of a free button or just the general overall creativity that buzzes around Austin, this year’s conference was energizing.

    The best panel I saw was “Style Tiles.” Samantha Warren, a designer based out of San Francisco, came up with her own process that is a cross between mood boards and a design comp. This was a total aha moment for me as I’d tip toed around doing this before, but never quite pushed it to where she does. Instead of pulling... read on

  • Mar22
    Jon Immel

    SXSW 2012 is over and it was another great trip for the TrendyMinds team. We learned quite a bit at various panels and also ate some great food and attended some fun parties. Below are some of the panel highlights from the trip.

    Designing from the Gut: Dangerous or Differentiator

    This panel really intrigued me as it’s an internal battle I often have. Is it better to design based off lots of research or analytics, or what your gut tells you is right? The panel not only had some agency veterans but also had employees from Facebook and Twitter. The variety in speakers provided many unique... read on

  • Mar06
    Tommy Hudock

    We all have seen the Wizard of Oz, (at least once). This famous Technicolor feature film stars Judy Garland who plays Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who’s been dropped into a mystery land of munchkins, lions, tigers and oh my, witches! Although, Dorothy does not have a roster of great clients to support, she does look to many along her yellow brick road for ideas, support and suggestions on whom, and what can get her (and her little dog too!) back home to Kansas to be reunited with her family.

    Just like Dorothy, TrendyMinds is always looking for the best cast of characters, resources and... read on

  • Feb27
    Tyler Murray

    Eight roll-off dumpsters containing more than 240 yards of debris have been hauled away from the old house and hall. Demolition was prolonged by the discovery of three ceiling layers, two wall layers, multiple floor coverings, pumice rock used as wall insulation, 4,000 square feet of dark brown paneling and clay brick used for interior wall additions. Some of the interesting finds include a Due Book of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America from 1998 and an original copy of the By-Laws of Local Union 60.

    During February, the interior plans have been finalized and the... read on

  • Feb24
    Casey Baksa

    “To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” – Oscar Wilde

    We’re all beautiful, unique snowflakes (at least, that’s what Mom said). We all carry with us a one-of-a-kind set of experiences, beliefs and idiosyncrasies. And more and more, the companies we work for are embracing that diversity.

    So then, isn’t it time we start talking like ourselves in the workplace? I don’t mean to say we should do away with general decorum and start cursing up a storm at our desks, but when’s the last time you’ve said “let’s round back on that” in real life?

    I thought so.

    Here’s a list of... read on