Walking Dogs & Other Inspiring Activities captured a lot of imaginations. I promised one of these a week this summer, so here is the second. Using my new 3g smartphone, I walked the dogs with greater purpose this week, watching my three friends to see what they notice that I am missing. This time, they taught a lesson in accepting kindness and sating their thirst. ...

The final interview in our new to the HOW Conference interview series, brings us to Justin Schafer. Justin is a graphic designer who talks about the common thread of inspiration helping him relax and enjoy the conference.

Part Two in our HOW Conference "Newbies" series, brings us to funny man Nate Voss out of Omaha, NE. Part of the popular Reflex Blue Show, Nate brings us his perspective on balancing the fun of HOW Conference with processing the massive amounts of information (and other goodies) received.

Walking the Dogs - And Other Inspiring Activities will be a weekly feature this summer that reminds Against the Grain readers that sometimes the greatest inspiration can come from doing the most habitual tasks. If you keep you heart,mind, eyes and ears open to the world. Several readers wanted to see the three canines who inspired this summer concept.

Navigating your way through the HOW Conference can be particularly overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. We reached out to our social media friends to learn about three different first timers reactions to the conference.

More have come forward with some images from the Neenah hosted White Party held last week at the How Conference in Denver. If you know any of these individuals, tag them. Everyone worked hard to adhere to the theme. So harder than others, sure. If you saw a breakout session speaker who especially motivated your, [...]

“Dear Mom, Having fun at HOW Camp in Denver. I got bit by a bear in Cheesman Parkand I lost my wallet. Send clean underware! Love…” Sure, sure. We are all engrossed in the engaging set of speakers all day long. But as soon as the talks are over, we are all out multi-tasking at the [...]

The world needs cranky little men with Thelonious Monk habits and nude model budgets to blow every Friday. Even if you find such exactitude a tad annoying ("Our work for highend sport apparel maker Aether is kind of where Prada meets Patagonia"), you have to admit the guy is right.

The Creative Pause. Of the many interesting points the charming and handsome Mr. Moll makes (illeratation!), is that sometimes the best ideas come to us when we disengage. When we think about the journey, not the destination. When consider the user's path, not the final design.

I'd recognize that face anywhere. Gail Anderson is a popular speaker and life force at design conferences because she lives what she preaches: hard work, kindness, experience and a generosity of heart... just like David Carson's reputation. Doh!