A journal of the ever-changing state of change in the branding world.
June 2025 | Edition 174
PERSONAL NOTE
Take a Brilliant Journey.
Summer is here, and the spirit of exploration is calling me. In the coming weeks, I’m planning some brilliant adventures—sailing to Catalina Island, the wild beauty of Costa Rica, and my first trip to Burning Man for a burst of creativity and inspiration. Each journey offers a new perspective, a chance to discover something unexpected, and a reminder that transformation comes from venturing beyond the familiar.
I’m also setting out on another significant adventure: the book project I’ve envisioned for years is now officially underway. “Brilliant: The Art and Science of Radiant Brands” is no longer just an idea—it’s in development, with a release planned for early 2026. The manuscript is taking shape, and my goal is ambitious: to create a guide that helps brands and creative leaders navigate—and shine—in a world that’s always changing.
Like any great journey, this one is best shared. I’ll be inviting your feedback, sharing milestones, and looking forward to the discoveries we’ll make together along the way.
Here’s to summer, fresh chapters, and the adventures that await—on the water, on the playa, across continents, and on the page.
NEW ESSAY: Wired for Wonder: Why Our Brains Seek and Remember What’s Brilliant
Why do some brands, products, or experiences stand out and linger in our minds, while others vanish in the noise? The answer isn’t just great marketing—it’s rooted in how our brains are designed.
This month’s new essay, “Wired for Wonder: Why Our Brains Seek and Remember What’s Brilliant,” dives into the fascinating neuroscience behind why we’re irresistibly drawn to things that shine, surprise, and move us—whether it’s a sparkling product, a vivid memory, or a brand that just feels unforgettable. You’ll discover:
The evolutionary reasons we’re innately wired to notice what’s remarkable and stands out
How multi-sensory experiences—sight, sound, touch, scent—create richer, more lasting memories
Why clarity, novelty, and emotional resonance make brands “sticky” in our minds and hearts
The “gemstone approach” (facets, angles, radiance) that brands can use to reveal their true brilliance and inspire lasting loyalty
This essay kicks off a special 5-part series, where Jamie is developing the foundational concepts for his upcoming book, Brilliant: The Art and Science of Radiant Brands. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of organizations, the book will be a practical handbook that blends design, strategy, and science to help brands shine from the inside out. Your feedback and reflections aren’t just welcome—they’re essential as these ideas take shape.
Curious to dig deeper or want to help shape the book? Click below to read the full essay and share what resonates most.
We created a new brand for a multi-family development downtown. From demographic research, positioning and naming, and a full signage and collateral package, we brought this building to life from the ground up.
What National Park poster teach us aboutl lasting design. Few things symbolize that spirit of exploration better than the U.S. National Parks—and few designs capture it quite like the iconic national park poster.
Jamie dives deep into how businesses can scale strategically by aligning their brand with purpose and performance. You’ll hear how branding transforms companies—not just visually, but fundamentally—using Jamie’s proprietary 4-step IDEA Method.
June marks the halfway point of the year—a natural moment to pause, reflect, and realign. I find it helpful to look back on the past six months and ask myself: Am I moving in a direction that truly feels right? If something feels off, now is the perfect time to reset, adjust my goals, and refocus for the months ahead.
Just like anything we want to see grow, our goals need care and nourishment. They thrive when we give them our attention, intention, and sometimes a little course correction. What small, meaningful changes could you make now that might have a big impact by year’s end?
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