Marginalia: Proof of Life
Our small fingerprints on earth.
Welcome back to Marginalia—our monthly newsletter designed to deliver a fresh dose of writing, branding, and creative inspiration into your routine. This is where we gush, gripe, and muse about whatever’s bubbling up in branding culture.
This month, we’re cracking into what life’s all about. The little things that prove to us that life is moving, our ecosystem is still cycling, and things are happening.
And we're making this one free for all subscribers, as we've got a lot of new faces in our subscriber section.
May Mood: Proof of Life
Footprints in the sand, a pile of shoes left by the door. Dirt under your fingernails, and wind-blown hair. Sore legs after a long walk, uphill. The stack of mail on the kitchen table. The imperfections that remind you that you still exist—you’re still here, living and breathing, along with an ecosystem thriving and struggling in constant motion.
Lightning Brand Spotlight: Mud
Mud is taking the pet space by storm with the belief that dogs should be dogs, not dolls. Their voice embraces the messy, wild, and lovable aspects of being one of the world's most beloved domestic animals. Think freedom over frou-frou, cool over cute. They sidestep the aesthetic cliches of other pet brands and lean into the mischief and magic of having a dog. A prime example of zigging while others zag. An extra biscuit for the creatives behind this one 🦴
Creative Nudges
A few prompts to keep your brain active and inspired. Grab a pen, paper, or library card and don’t be afraid to leave your mark.
Write about somewhere you didn’t realize you’d never return. Your college dorm room after “extended spring break” or the tree house from childhood that you don’t remember the last time you were inside before it got taken down. Write from the perspective of the present you, existing in that space in some way.
Jot down five things in your vicinity that are “proof of life.” The birds outside your window or the lightbulb that needs replacing. Once you have five, see how long you can keep it going.
Write out dialogue between yourself and someone or something you can’t speak with—your cat, your broken washing machine, your estranged relative. What would you say if you could? And what would they (it?) say back?
Plan a trip you’ve been dreaming about, even if you can’t quite book it yet. Get as specific as possible.
Go to the library and care for a book that’s not your own. Maybe even finish and return it before the due date? Truly wild stuff.
Name your summer vibe—dirty knees summer, salty girl summer, shut-in summer? We’re half way through the year — moodboard and manifest like it’s January.
Links We’re Loving
What we’re reading, watching, and yapping about this month.
If you wanted to write more this year, a writing club might be the best way to get to it! We're celebrating Emily Ash Powell's launch of the Hurdling writer's club. Join here for some virtual accountability.
Influencer-core elaborate beauty maintenance routines are not recession-proof. Here's a more down-to-earth perspective for those taking a step back.
Can't keep a straight face while reading this hilarious take on Hormbles Chormbles' genius branding.
The new Pope from Chicago is a crazy-good branding moment for the city—here are some memes and jokes circulating amid the city's Catholic it-girl era (lol).
Thanks for tuning in. Next month, we'll be getting a little more techy and a little more meta (uhh, not that one).