Hi First name / friend, What a week it’s been since we last spoke! I’ve just got back from an incredible trip to Florence, Italy with the team at Flodesk — the very platform this newsletter is designed, built, and sent from. (I even managed to snag you a free trial link — you know I’m always on the lookout for ways to help you get started. So if launching your own newsletter has been on your mind, now’s the time!). While in Florence, I got to meet the Flodesk team, sit down with their CEO and co-founder, and dive into conversations about email strategy, design, and content creation. It was one of those real pinch-me moments — to think that this design-focused newsletter I share with you each week has led to something like this.
Here’s a photo of me with the two incredible women who founded Flodesk, plus a candid snap of me mid-chat in-front of the team and two other creators who were also invited. |
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Whether you read this newsletter every week or just dip in now and then, thank you. Your support means the world, and having this little passion project recognised in such a meaningful way is a moment I’m truly proud of.
Right, enough about me, let's dive into all the design happenings this week. |
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Now You Can Airbnb More Than An Airbnb
Airbnb just gave its app a major glow-up. They've split everything into three tabs: Homes, Experiences, and Services, making it way easier to plan a full trip, not just book a bed. They're also leaning into lifestyle big time. Now you can book private chefs, massage therapists, or even makeup artists to come to your Airbnb (or your home), and Experiences have expanded too, think cooking classes, and walking tours. Alongside the update comes a fresh new design, and what really stood out to me is the icon library they’ve created. Flat icons are out—hello, skeuomorphic style (yes, I had to Google how to spell that). Check out the launch video below and let me know what you think of the new direction. Is this the beginning of the end of flat icons we've seen dominate the design world for the past few years? |
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Fresh Look for the Modern Man
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve got a beard. And honestly, I’ve always found male grooming branding a bit of a snooze. The same tired combo of metallic silver, a pop of orange, and the word MEN screaming from the label... it’s all just a bit much. Luckily, Harry’s has unveiled a fresh new look, and it's as sharp as their razors. In collaboration with design agency Mythology, the personal care brand has evolved its iconic identity with a bold blue update and refined simplicity.
What stands out is how effortless it all feels. From the clean, confident typography to the subtle tone of voice, the new direction builds trust without trying too hard. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design can mature a brand without losing the personality that made it popular in the first place. Definitely worth a look if you’re into branding that strikes a balance between evolution and consistency. Also I'm sort of obsessed with blue right now. |
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Your Work Speaks—But Your Brand Shouts In today’s creative world, having a personal brand is key for designers. It means sharing your personality, your values, and the thinking behind your work. Your brand should reflect who you are now, not who you were five years ago. When you shape a clear, authentic presence online, you open the door to new clients, collaborations, and career opportunities.
A strong personal brand also builds trust. Sharing your process, ideas, and behind-the-scenes moments helps people connect with you on a deeper level. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real. Whether you freelance, work in-house, or run your own studio, showing up consistently as yourself can be your biggest asset.
I came across this article that dives deep into this, and I thought you might find it a useful read. |
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Stock Photos That Don't Feel Like Stock Photos If you’ve ever found yourself stuck choosing stock photos that feel stale, you’ll love Dupe Photos. It’s a growing library of intentionally weird, fun, and beautifully curated stock imagery made for creatives who want their visuals to stand out. Think less corporate handshake, more personality and punch, perfect for designers looking to break away from the typical look. I feel it almost looks like having access to all your friends camera rolls. What’s great is that the collection feels like it was made by artists for artists. Whether you’re working on a quirky brand, building a landing page with attitude, or just want some inspiration, Dupe has a bunch of scroll-stopping options. It’s free to browse, and honestly, kind of addictive. Definitely one to bookmark. |
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NDSM
Amsterdam, 1033NA, The Netherlands |
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