I collect trash. Well, not trash trash, don’t worry, this isn’t an episode of Hoarders or My Strange Addiction. I collect little pieces of packaging with beautiful or interesting designs… for research purposes (I promise). 

If you’re a reader, and even if you’re not, you likely are familiar with the little penguin in the orange oval on the spine of books. That little guy is named Alan, and he’s the logo and mascot of Penguin Random House. They’re a publishing company dedicated to igniting “a universal passion for reading” and providing their authors with “the greatest platform possible.” They are a major brand with a significant commitment to their authors and the communities they serve, and in 2026, they’re expanding.

Having a hobby is incredibly important. Having that outlet not only helps improve mental health but also can help benefit you professionally. 

Freshman year of college, I joined my school’s version of SNL, Quinnipiac Tonight, on the crew. For our show, anyone who wanted to could make an animated motion graphic to play as a title card during each sketch. I had recently switched my major from film to graphic design and thought this might be a good way to learn. The only problem was that I had absolutely no idea how to make one. 

As a designer, it’s easy to want to skip the planning process and jump directly into your design program of choice. It feels like less work, like you’re cutting out an extra step and are closer to your final file. I implore you to take that extra time and make sketching part of your design process. 

In August of 2025 Cracker Barrel, a rustic, eclectic and homey chain restaurant serving American southern classics, rebranded for the first time ever. A week later they changed back to their original design. What went so wrong? Let’s take a look.