Field Notes: A Peek Into My Process

Serif or sans-serif? One isn't better than the other—just better suited to different needs. Serif fonts convey tradition and trust, while sans-serifs are modern and clean. Each has its place depending on tone, format, and audience. Sometimes, combining both is the right move. It's all about what works, when, and why.

Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Talk offers a refreshing look at creativity in all its messy, human glory. Each week, Amy hosts honest conversations with friends, celebrities, and creatives, covering everything from sleep and food to insecurities and menopause. The show highlights how even those who have “made it” face the same fears, while celebrating genuine support and friendship in a competitive industry. It’s a warm, uplifting creative love fest.

I recently helped create a breakaway wall for a commercial shoot—designed to break safely and dramatically on cue. While I don’t have footage of the final break, this post gives a behind-the-scenes look at the process, from foam-core prototypes and precision seams to building in the rain.

When Detroit musician Durracell asked me to create a giant inflatable heart for his live show, I had never made an inflatable before—but I said yes anyway. This post walks through how I tackled a completely new medium from scratch, from early research and visual brainstorming to trash bag prototypes, sewing tips, fan selection, and final construction. Designing into the unknown can be intimidating, but with curiosity, testing, and a little improvisation, big ideas can take sh