What We’re Reading in December 2016

Taylor Knight, Project Coordinator

I don’t know about you, but Chip and Joanna Gaines continue to empower and motivate me regardless if I’m binge watching HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” or reading their first book “The Magnolia Story.” A story about love, adventure and dreaming big, this piece is perfect for the young professional who is still trying to figure out their place in this crazy world. Chip and Joanna are the ultimate duo when it comes to being business owners and a married couple with a beautiful family. Their story inspires me to keep working to reach my personal and career goals and serves as a reminder that each day I’m that much closer.   

Matt Montgomery, Senior Designer

I most recently read “Dune,” by Frank Herbert. Set thousands of years in the future, it’s a science fiction tale in which noble houses war over control of planets with key resources. It’s a wonderfully layered book that explores futuristic humans’ religions, politics, customs and emotions. Though Dune doesn’t necessarily translate directly into my design work, this kind of novel stokes my imagination and inspires my love of storytelling. Whenever I begin a new design project, I always try to put the focus on what story I’m trying to tell a prospective viewer/user.

Brittany Cross, Content Strategist 

I’m basically a chicken when it comes to scary movies, but when a friend of mine told me about Stephen King’s book, “On Writing,” I thought I’d give the horror fiction writer a chance. What immediately caught my eye was the forward, in which he credits his friend in inspiring him to write this book and confesses that many of the popular novelist also “care about the language … and care passionately about the art and craft of telling stories on paper.” While King shares a lot of what shaped him in becoming a writer, he also offers encouraging and practical advice for other artists. No matter what kind of communicator you are, caring about the art and craft of telling the story should be at the heart of everything you do.