Inspiration comes in so many forms—and for that matter, forums—and so it was on Christmas day— ordinary imagination. However, being with Molly on Christmas day was extraordinary. Molly is my granddaughter, just at a year old now. Molly never stops.

Up and down the L-shaped hallway… Who would have thought pushing a small step ladder around the room 50 times, or climbing two flights of stairs- up and down, up and down, would be so exciting.

It was interesting to see how quickly the new toys were pushed aside for the ordinary stairs and a kitchen step …more

Today, David Tann’s response to the previous post. David was one of those students who set his expectations for himself very high, who always did more than was asked of him, and was thankful for every opportunity. He’s an extremely talented designer, a true leader, and as genuine and warm as they come. David married one of his PC classmates, Barbra Gallant, who’s a gifted designer in her own right (also at Abercrombie). They’re expecting their first baby soon. Such are the pieces of a well-earned happy life, falling into place.

David’s note:

Hey Hank,

I was reading the blog, and I …more

Not too long ago, I gave a speech wherein I said, The next time you hear someone say of your chosen profession, “Well, it’s not exactly brain surgery,” you should remind them that everything we wear, read, ride in, live in, and use, as well as all the packaging it comes in was designed. Even when we throw something away, we’re tossing it into a trashcan that someone designed. Design touches everyone’s life, every minute of every day. Brain surgery or not, design matters!

I’m thinking about that now, as another class of grads heads out the door and into their …more

Here I am, starting work early on a rainy gray Sunday morning, just before light…sitting at Starbucks, and voila! When I open up my first email it’s to the greeting of “Hi! Hank… I want to give you a B~~I~~~G hug. I miss you…Poom” and that followed by,”It’s true, you are the first. Not sure I want to give you a B~~I~~G hug, but I do miss you, Hank… As always you will be the first to know of any new news… we are going to ‘thai,’ the knot. Mike.”

So, Once Upon A Time… and just like that, the NEWS …more

Wingnut in the World

Portfolio Center students Rachel Strubinger and Dave Whitling who created the strikingly spirited design and packaging for the newly launched Wingnut Zinfandel Wine celebrate their branding achievement.

Education for the Real World at Portfolio Center- exclusively a difference right here as students in classes participate and create real world experiences, not just ‘blue-sky’ approaches. Rather, ‘the sky is the limit’ when you put your personal interpretations and passion into your work.

Recently, students in my infamous 5:30 a.m. class partnered directly with Charles Bieler and Three Thieves Winery of Napa Valley to create the identity and packaging for …more

Dear Isabel (and Portfolio Center Students),

How amazing your realization of the value and the difference of your education. How did you put it—“Hank, William Faulkner and our class…this is amazing stuff, a complete affirmation of all that we have working on these past weeks. I thought you would enjoy.”

Thank you, Isabel, for sharing your enthusiasm and William Faulkner’s Nobel speech.

As I begin to respond to your note, I realize my comments to you should actually be shared with everyone, particularly as everyone is working so very hard right now to approach their critique this coming week and celebrate …more

Yesterday morning around 7 o’clock, I felt like I was caught within the lyrics of an ole Jimmy Buffet anthem, Cowboy in the Jungle. You might remember it yourself: “We got to roll with the punches, play all of our hunches, make the best of whatever comes our way. Forget that blind ambition, learn to trust your intuition — plowing straight ahead, come what may…” because it sums up the spirit of CREATIVITY, what it can be. I was at the breakfast meeting of the Atlanta Midtown Alliance. I know sounds kinda ho-hum, but go with me a minute, for …more