MJ Larson

Branding isn't just logos or colors. It's how we show up every day. Managing Director, Chris Pentrack, shares how branding is woven into every client interaction, every message, and every piece of work we deliver.

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What makes a brand experience feel truly authentic and personal? In this episode of Industry Lens, Sadie Miller, Senior EVP of Social Media Partnerships + Strategy at KINESSO, shares how Snapchat helps brands connect with consumers in meaningful, creative ways. From community-driven storytelling to immersive digital experiences, Sadie reveals how brands can meet audiences where they play, communicate, and connect. 🎥 Watch the full conversation to see how Kinesso approaches the future of brand engagement: https://lnkd.in/eXCT2uiN

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Your brand’s marketing team isn’t struggling with ideas. They’re struggling with everything else. Tools that are too fragmented to talk. Handovers that slow everything down. Tangled launch processes that dilute even the best creative. This is operational drag. And we’ve spent 20+ years helping brands like eBay, Uber, and Google address the content bottleneck it creates. Today, we’re sharing the next evolution of that work: DEPT® Studios. Designed to facilitate growth invention, it’s an always-on operating system built in partnership with Adobe that uses AI to (finally) bridge the gap between strategy, creative, production, and media. Turning content into a growth machine, not a constraint, and letting people focus on what actually matters. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dbPMyNaf #growthinvention #madebydept

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[PAID PARTNERSHIP] How much time do creative teams actually lose to operational friction? Monotype’s Creative Operations Report, based on insights from more than 1,000 creative professionals, explores what’s really slowing teams down and how high-performing organizations reclaim up to 35% of creative time through more efficient operations. The findings highlight why operational efficiency has become a top priority, how compliance and font management challenges persist, and how top teams differentiate to scale creativity without sacrificing quality. Read the full report:  https://mntype.co/4pQhyOQ

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Graphic Design with NO AI. AI has no creativity. Penny Lane Graphics is all about creativity. Creativity is the secret sauce that transforms ordinary marketing materials into something memorable, engaging, and persuasive—and with Penny Lane Graphics, that creativity is backed by decades of real-world experience, artistic vision, and storytelling finesse. Here's what creativity can do for your company's marketing materials when you work with Penny Lane Graphics: 1. Build a Unique Visual Identity Creative design ensures your materials don’t blend in—they stand out. Penny Lane Graphics can craft custom logos, color palettes, and typography that reflect your company’s character and set you apart from the competition. 2. Tell Your Brand’s Story People connect with stories. With editorial roots and a background in illustration and visual storytelling, Penny Lane Graphics brings narrative flair to brochures, ads, social media graphics, and more—turning products and services into stories your audience will remember. 3. Create Visual Impact Creative layouts, striking imagery, and smart composition grab attention—and keep it. Whether it’s a billboard, a web banner, or a concert poster, Penny Lane Graphics knows how to design with punch and purpose. 4. Bring Ideas to Life Have a vision? Or maybe just a spark of one? Creativity bridges that gap. From concept to completion, Penny Lane Graphics helps companies visualize, refine, and express their ideas in clear, compelling, and beautiful ways. 5. Design With Strategy in Mind Creative doesn’t mean chaotic. The best marketing is a blend of art and intention. With experience across industries—from entertainment to education—Penny Lane Graphics designs materials that are not only eye-catching, but also strategically aligned with your goals. 6. Keep Things Fresh and Evolving Trends change. Audiences shift. With creative thinking at the core, Penny Lane Graphics helps companies evolve visually while staying true to their brand—keeping their marketing fresh, relevant, and effective. Want to brainstorm a project or reimagine your brand’s look? Let creativity lead—with Penny Lane Graphics as your visual partner. www.plgraphics.com

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In The PR Net Top Marcomms Trends in the Design Industry for 2026, a thoughtful look at where strategy, storytelling, and human experience intersect, Lauren Urband, Founder & President of The Consultancy PR, captures a bigger cultural shift we’re all witnessing in design communications: "We’re seeing a continued shift toward slow design and lived-in luxury. In 2026, the most desirable spaces feel considered, personal and deeply comfortable… prioritizing longevity, artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful collecting over trend-driven design." Read more on this year's trends in design: https://lnkd.in/euTEfDgP

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This is why typography matters For anyone who thinks typography and kerning (letter spacing) isn’t important … Here’s the difference between going to a reputable business or… this guy. Hire a designer. Not AI. Your brand (and reputation) depend on it. #DesignFails #TypographyMatters #GraphicDesign #animateEverything

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The role of marketing is evolving—fast. AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency; it’s becoming the engine for hyper-personalization and creative scale. Learn how marketers at leading brands are moving beyond the hype to integrate AI into their core strategies: https://adobe.ly/4sSvGZN

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Jennifer Strange shares why B2B brand research is more than just brand tracking in this snippet from the B2B Insights Podcast 👇 Listen to the full episode to learn how to incorporate different audiences in brand research, creative techniques for better brand insights, and how to make brand research actionable > https://lnkd.in/efr-XhS5 #b2b #marketresearch #mrx #insights #brand #branding #brandresearch #brandtracking #brandpositioning #brandperceptions

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At BBDO Chicago, we are breaking down the silos that have traditionally separated roles and departments. It’s not about switching hats from one meeting to the next. Instead, it’s about bringing a multi-dimensional perspective to every conversation. Whether it’s a strategic brief or a creative review, the goal remains the same: to find the idea that moves the work forward. This kind of thinking requires more than collaboration; it requires true integration. It asks our teams to work with flexibility, to be fluent in different ways of working, and to see the whole picture without losing sight of the details. This approach helps us build ideas that are not only creatively strong but also strategically sharp and culturally relevant. It allows us to move with greater clarity, creativity, and, most importantly, momentum. In a rapidly shifting landscape, momentum and energy go hand and hand with insight. #BBDOChicago #BrandBuilding #DoBIGThings #CreativeExcellence

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📊✨ Annual reports are getting a creative glow-up. Conran Design Group shares six trends shaping reporting design in 2025 – think bold storytelling, editorial layouts, and people-first design. Proof that even the most data-heavy content can be smart, clear and engaging.   📖 Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dj8-Uu_Q #LLLtdRecommends #DesignTrends #AnnualReports #BrandComms #ConranDesignGroup

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