The Mad Blog
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A vibrant space where design, illustration, and business meet real-life insights, offering resourceful and refreshing perspectives for creative thinkers and doers.
A vibrant space where design, illustration, and business meet real-life insights, offering resourceful and refreshing perspectives for creative thinkers and doers.
Why I Built Templates, and Who They’re Really For Not everyone comes to branding at the same stage of their business. Some people need deep, fully custom work. Space to explore. A partner to think alongside them and build something from the ground up. Others need structure. Not taste. Not inspiration. Structure. That difference matters […]

Mood boards are often treated as a collection of things that look good. Personal taste. Aesthetic preferences. Visual inspiration gathered early on to set a mood. That approach misses what makes them useful. In my work, mood boards are not about taste. They are about direction. By the time we reach this stage, the work […]

Earlier in my career, I used to get lost when I designed. Not because I lacked ideas. Quite the opposite. A brand can go in a million beautiful directions, and once you open that door, everything feels possible. Fonts, colors, layouts, concepts. All strong. All viable. All competing for attention. Without a clear foundation, deciding […]


In the world of branding, there are rules—unwritten standards that most businesses follow to look professional and reliable. But what if following the crowd is actually what’s holding your brand back? Bold design choices, those that break away from the norm, can elevate your brand and help it stand out in a crowded marketplace. In […]
Wyatt Hersey is a talented illustrator and muralist based in Chico, California, whose artwork reflects a deep connection with nature and the human experience. He draws inspiration from both his passion for ecology and folk art traditions from around the world. His murals often combine vibrant, simplified color palettes with whimsical and symbolic characters, evoking […]

Ty Williams is a talented illustrator known for his playful, carefree style that captures a relaxed yet vibrant essence. His work often features soft, sweeping curves and a distinctive use of color, creating a sense of warmth and flow. Williams’ approach is not just about the visuals but also about conveying a laid-back, optimistic attitude […]


Searched 4 sites Tom Froese is a talented Canadian illustrator whose work stands out for its playful and vibrant aesthetic. Known for creating whimsical illustrations with bold colors, expressive shapes, and textures reminiscent of printmaking, Froese has made a name for himself in the world of commercial illustration. His work spans across a range of […]
Luba Lukova is a powerful and influential artist whose work primarily tackles social justice issues through bold, thought-provoking visual metaphors. Originally from Bulgaria, Lukova moved to the United States in 1991, where she quickly became known for her striking and poignant illustrations that reflect her deep empathy for global struggles. Her work often serves as […]

In both business and personal relationships, the key to success often comes down to how we communicate. While it’s easy to approach situations with preconceived ideas or agendas, one of the most powerful shifts we can make is to approach relationships with curiosity. This isn’t just a tool for deeper understanding; it’s a way to […]


In a crowded marketplace, a great product or service alone isn’t enough. What truly sets successful brands apart is their ability to tell a compelling story. Storytelling allows your business to connect authentically with your audience, communicate your values, and build trust in a way that facts and features simply can’t. Donald Miller’s book Building […]