Blog

Kimbell Art Museum
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Kimbell Art Museum

When I walked into the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, I wasn't quite sure what to expect... In a city celebrated more for its rodeo roots than for Renaissance art, the Kimbell presented a gateway to an expansive and vibrant collection that spans continents and millennia, right at the heart of the American Southwest.

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The Dallas Museum of Art
Alex Hess Alex Hess

The Dallas Museum of Art

Nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) stands as a sanctuary of art guiding visitors through an exploration of human creativity and expression spanning continents and centuries. As an avid enthusiast of art and culture, my recent visit to this esteemed institution left a powerful impression.

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2023 Holiday Branding: Campaigns That Stand Out
Alex Hess Alex Hess

2023 Holiday Branding: Campaigns That Stand Out

As the holiday season approaches, brands don their festive attire and the art of holiday branding takes center stage. These exemplary companies go beyond selling products to curate experiences, evoke emotions, and become an integral part of holiday traditions. 

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Sustainability as a Brand Ethos
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Sustainability as a Brand Ethos

With environmental consciousness at the forefront of consumer concerns, brands are reshaping their visual narratives to reflect a commitment to sustainability. This article showcases how leading brands are embracing sustainability as a key element of their positioning and creative direction.

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Urban Icons: Street Art as Cultural Expression
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Urban Icons: Street Art as Cultural Expression

Street art icons like Shepard Fairey, Banksy, D*Face, and Mr. Brainwash masterfully wield their craft, creating not just images, but resonant symbols that speak to the rebellious spirit within us all. It's the marriage of visual aesthetics and impactful messaging that draws me to this artistry.

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10 Brands Investing in Big Ideas
Alex Hess Alex Hess

10 Brands Investing in Big Ideas

In a world full of mundane advertisements and typical collateral, we explore 10 brands that are not just thinking big but investing in turning these ideas into reality. From industry giants like Pentagram, AKQA, and Ogilvy, these campaigns showcase truly original approaches that redefine the future of marketing, each leaving you with a profound 'woah' moment.

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The Genius of Frederic Leighton and Leighton House
Alex Hess Alex Hess

The Genius of Frederic Leighton and Leighton House

As a classical artist, Leighton's creations drew inspiration from various cultural influences, reflecting his extensive travels and studies in Europe and the Middle East. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the canvas; it permeated every facet of his life, including his role as an art collector, patron, sculptor, and homeowner.

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Bathing in History: The Roman Baths of Bath
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Bathing in History: The Roman Baths of Bath

Stepping into the heart of the charming town of Bath in England, I was immediately transported back in time to the days of Roman occupation. The Roman Baths, an iconic symbol of antiquity, stand as a testament to the endurance of Roman engineering and culture. Exploring this remarkable site, I found myself immersed in the rich tapestry of the past, where the waters of the ancient baths tell stories that span centuries.

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Touring the Art Museums of England: Part 2
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Touring the Art Museums of England: Part 2

A nation steeped in history and culture, I found no shortage of breathtaking artistry as I continued to explore across England from the Manchester Art Gallery to the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum. These institutions form a triumvirate of cultural treasures, each offering a unique lens into the kaleidoscope of human expression and heritage.

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Touring the Art Museums of England: Part 1
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Touring the Art Museums of England: Part 1

The brilliance of art museums shines brightly in the vibrant tapestry of English cultural heritage, inviting enthusiasts and casual observers alike into a world of creativity and expression. Among the crown jewels of this artistic realm are The National Gallery, the Tate Britain, and the Tate Modern.

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Pittsburgh Advertising Week: AAF 100 Year Anniversary
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Pittsburgh Advertising Week: AAF 100 Year Anniversary

This week I had the honor of attending with my Gatesman Design team the Pittsburgh AdWeek 100-Year Anniversary event, hosted by the American Advertising Federation. The occasion celebrated a century of excellence, innovation, and creative thinking in the industry.

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Academic Art: 10 Artists You Should Know 
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Academic Art: 10 Artists You Should Know 

Academic art reached its zenith in the 19th century and played a pivotal role in shaping the course of art history. Characterized by its emphasis on rigorous technical skill and adherence to classical principles, this style found its champions amongst renowned artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Fredric Leighton, Albert Moore, Jean Dominique Ingres, Jacques Louis David, J.W. Godward, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Alexandre Cabanel, etc.

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Discovering the Fine Art of Colonial America
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Discovering the Fine Art of Colonial America

A recent visit to Mount Vernon, former President George Washington’s estate in Virginia, inspired me to explore the artistic legacy of Colonial America. The thought of colonial America often conjures images of powdered wigs, muskets, and tri-cornered hats. However, a rich and vibrant world of fine art flourished beyond the pages of history textbooks and tales of the American Revolution. The colony was a diverse and dynamic landscape, with settlers arriving from different parts of Europe, each bringing their own artistic traditions and influences. It was in this melting pot of cultures that American fine art began to take shape.

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The Canvas of Tomorrow: The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Create
Alex Hess Alex Hess

The Canvas of Tomorrow: The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Create

Tools that leverage AI encourage artists to venture into uncharted territories, merging their creative vision with the capabilities of AI algorithms. This fusion of human and machine creativity leads to novel art forms and groundbreaking designs that push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.

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Capturing Authenticity: The Professional Headshots
Alex Hess Alex Hess

Capturing Authenticity: The Professional Headshots

In today's professional world, a strong online presence is essential for making an impact. Often the first point of contact between prospective clients or employers and the individual they represent, corporate headshots hold a special place amongst the elements that foster a meaningful digital presence. While many focus on the attire, facial expressions, and lighting, one crucial but often overlooked aspect is the story it captures.

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“Stomp em’ Out” makes Communication arts shortlist
Alex Hess Alex Hess

“Stomp em’ Out” makes Communication arts shortlist

To combat this ecological menace, a groundbreaking sustainability campaign has emerged, rallying communities to stomp out the spotted lanternfly invasion. This remarkable initiative has gained recognition and has been shortlisted for the prestigious Communication Arts.

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