openbox9

For Sale! DC Map

May 21st, 2013 // // Topic: ,

  Created here in Brookland, our map of the neighborhoods of Washington, DC, features the Brookland Cardbull, world famous here on a small block of 12th Street NE. One could read into the map and think there’s a statement about which DC neighborhood is topdog… we prefer to think it was the work of the [...]

3 Ways to Love Online Donors

April 15th, 2013 // // Topic: , , ,

Online giving grew by 11% in 2012*. Which means the ROI in online fundraising tools, many of which are free, is pretty dang good. But we all know a one-time experience of growth is not enough to support the years of work ahead for your nonprofit. The real work will be to retain these donors [...]

Don’t Scare the Donors

March 27th, 2013 // // Topic: , , ,

Your organization exists because resources do not – food, health, safety, information, housing, etc. You have a particular mission to meet particular needs, which is reflected in your mission statement. That lofty and ambitious declaration is intimidating your donors. They see the massive need and instead of being inspired, the syndrome of “fight or flight” [...]

Job: Website Designer

February 18th, 2013 // // Topic: , ,

Join a team that puts creativity in the center of our work. We need your problem solving skills and your quirky novelty that inches towards being considered a disorder. Ideally you are a personable and creative type who can collaborate with team members and clients to produce an effective fundraising or advocacy website. Designers at [...]

How to design your life

January 15th, 2013 // // Topic: , ,

I recently stumbled across the article how to design your life. But the problem was it didn’t say much. I was hoping for some practical tips and hints, but instead it outlined some broader principles- still good, but vague. I’ve decided to write the article I was hoping to read. Step 1. Go on vacation If [...]

openbox9 goes to the White House

January 15th, 2013 // // Topic: ,

We had the privilege to meet with the troops behind the White House communications efforts which included our friend and Designer Ashleigh Smith, the content editor, photographer, website creative director and the videographer. Fascinating work this team is up to as everyday posses a new urgent need to speak with the citizens — fast copywriting, [...]

Who Killed My Creative Buzz?

December 18th, 2012 // // Topic: , , ,

The Creative Process What better expression of rebellion than to sit and wait for creativity to strike and subsequently, what better expression of robotic jive than to methodically labor through a process. It’s the age old battle of wanting to be free to create but knowing one’s role as designer is to solve all sorts [...]

5 Pages I (really) Read Today

October 24th, 2012 // // Topic: , ,

Books are great but can a book smash you through 5 subjects in 15 minutes? Below are not my favorite reads, nor do I recommend reading them, but they are the real things I read this morning to prepare for a day of work. More CSS? Yes, please. Responsive Comping: Obtaining Signoff with Mockups. Oh [...]

Code like it’s 1995

September 20th, 2012 // // Topic: , ,

You may be new to HTML, or you may have been born with a computer in your tiny hands; either way I’ve collected some tips and best practices for coding HTML emails.

Lessons from Leo (and co.)

May 31st, 2012 // // Topic: , ,

After years of taking “exotic” art history courses such as “Arts of China and Japan” and “Egyptian Art and Architecture” (where I had to learn the differences between pharaohs Snafu and Snafaru…it was rough), last semester I took a Renaissance Art class. I was ecstatic to learn about pieces I’ve been hearing about my whole [...]