Elixir Design process corckboard

3+ Approaches

How an Array of Design Explorations Enables a Path Forward

For twenty-eight years and counting, Elixir’s proposals promise “3+ approaches” to design assignments. For the idea that blossoms into full glory, there are at least two other iterations that didn’t make the cut.

VIEW ARTICLE
Elixir Design Meeting Room for One Year In Lockdown Article

One Year Into The Pandemic: What Have We Learned About Work?

Taking a look at how remote work has changed our productivity and workflow

Before COVID, Elixir Design was a small but busy office in the heart of San Francisco. Our team filled up space, shouting questions at each other, passing by each other’s desk for a check-in or a quick pick-me-up. The kitchen used to be the place of our informal reunions. These times are far gone. Nowadays, our workstations are more likely our kitchen or living room tables, maybe even our beds.

VIEW ARTICLE
A grid showing options available within typify app

A Branding Opportunity You’re Likely Missing Out On

Up your branding game across social media with Typify.

It’s a new year filled with all of the promises of what’s possible and we are here to tell you, you are smarter, funnier, and better looking than the anonymous grey default avatar.

VIEW ARTICLE
Before and after screen shots of Meagan

Examine Your Zoom

Connecting Well through Webcams and Wireless

Lots has come to light about the reality of Zoom Fatigue and what living work-life through video conferencing does to our communication and nervous systems.

VIEW ARTICLE
Collage of 7 Elixir members

Part of the Team: Starting a New Job During a Global Pandemic

How to feel connected to your teammates when you’re all spread apart.

There is something about the way we are coming together in such circumstances. The distance between us has only increased our need for communication.

VIEW ARTICLE
Black ink sketches on layers of blue translucent paper

Commissioning a Logo Design? 6 Tips for the Process

Recommendations from 25 Years of Making Brand Identities

If you are about to embark on a logo project, here are things to consider about the process and to address in the creative brief.

VIEW ARTICLE
Top half of open catalog showing copy, skimboarding, climbing

Design in the Details for Lifestyle Branding

Behind the scenes look at the rebranding effort for prAna. Elixir sweats the small stuff.

Elixir was enlisted by prAna for its rebranding effort—shifting away from being perceived as an items-based yoga and climbing company and evolve into what they referred to as “an authentically soulful lifestyle brand.”

VIEW ARTICLE
Colorful vacation post cards

Elixir Combats ‘Design Chicken’ Syndrome

Research shows naps and vacations lead to more and better output. Eggs or otherwise.

As a company, we try and walk the elusive line of healthy work/life balance. Research shows naps and vacations lead to more and better output.

VIEW ARTICLE
Silver pillow with red tag

The Gift of Time: Why We Start Planning Holiday Gifts in July

Preparation and planning are the key to finding a relaxed joy and creativity to gift giving.

From its earliest days, Elixir has brewed up New Year’s gifts for our friends, families and, of course, clients. We apply the same criteria every year: – Will the gift delight the people who receive it more than the people who concocted it? – Can we afford to produce and assemble it in the way that we would like? – Is it something so fun or useful that we wish everyone could have one?

VIEW ARTICLE
Group of people in front of polaroid-covered heart sculpture

Hearts in SF Features A Heart Sculpture From One Of Elixir’s Own in Union Square!

Polaroid SF heart created by our own Billy Westley for Hearts of San Francisco fundraiser for San Francisco General Hospital has found a home in Union Square

We have been waiting with baited breath to find out where in San Francisco Billy and Bruce’s heart design would land for public display. We had high hopes for Union Square and are thrilled to say it’s there!

VIEW ARTICLE