Michelle Rollins :: Inspiration

Lowe's Innovation Labs & 3D printing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:55:00 +0000

The Lowe’s Companies created Lowe’s Innovation Labs to develop technologies that create new experiences for consumers. In April, the Labs introduced an in-store 3D scanning and printing service to Orchard Supply Hardware of Mountain View to help DIY customers get a vision out of their head and bring it to life in a physical object.
You can buy a 3D printer at Home Depot and many other retailers. But the real story here isn't the Lowe's Innovation Lab or 3D printing.Its is the rapid early adoption of a new technology. We are finding government and corporations running fast toward innovation and improvement. What we see with 3D printing is one of fastest adoptions of tech in our history. Human centered design is king. From retail to digital experiences we are more focused on this spectrum of innovation to improvement than ever before. Both require a different mindset. For retailers it is a constant evaluation of where they fall within that spectrum. Another interesting retail test from Lowe's: Retail Service Robots
Source Forbes

Learning how to make gifs is so much fun.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 04:06:00 +0000

My first gifs!
They aren't the world's most amazing but it was fantastic to learn how.
I think I'm going to do one a week to keep playing.

My blog might be dying.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:38:00 +0000

I kinda hope not but lets be real.

After two kids, two promotions and a lot of work with very little time to get it all done and still see my husband, the blog and my online life have been neglected. I don't have a life threatening disease or anything.

I've seen others have kids and move-Allen Peters, Crystal Barlow-Jensen). But I'm struggling to keep up. I have about 3 years of work to put on my portfolio and I'd rather play with my littles.
up without leaving their digital lives behind (

I struggle to get everything done in a day but I think with some thoughtful planning I can be back on track.

I will not keep this blog as active as I used to but when I need to express myself for feel the need to add to our "online noise", its a click away.

Vine and Breaking Bad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:13:00 +0000

I'm such a proud mama...well so to speak. Kyle G, a designer on my team here at Periscope, commissioned illustrator Allen Brewer to illustrate AMC Breaking Bad's main charter Walter White for one of the clients we love working on Cox Communication. Wow that was a long sentence.

With this year's season finale, Kyle wanted to showcase Walter's 5 seasons of change during the coarse of the show.

The collaboration was just brilliant. Hats off Kyle.

Other Twitter News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I first learned of Stephen Hawking from my mother at an early age. I'm still in awe of this man. He is able imagine, solve and explain great mysteries of the Universe without ever writing anything down. I have to write a grocery list. I can't imagine defining black wholes and solving quantum physics equations without the use of a pen.

While I do believe in God and Jesus, Mr. Hawking may always wonder. That is his brilliance. I have to think a great mind like his is a believer.

ABC interview

Time interview

The chore of shopping into an art

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 03:49:00 +0000

Brendan O'Connell an artist is taking packaging as his main inspiration.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 03:24:00 +0000

Quotes of this week:

Share and share a like.

Simply is never easy.

Let your words speak like, not death.

(meaning speak loving words, not words of destruction)

(not sure who said any of the above, but they sure are great.)

Target Summer Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:26:00 +0000

It is so funny to see summer finally here in Minnesota. Here is Target's Summer Overlay. I'm a sucker for really interesting displays and typography.

We had an idea for a summer promotion last year that was super hero themed. While I'm glad for many reasons we didn't go in that direction, this is classic and fun.

My only wish was to see more of it around other areas of the store.

Save up, super Moms.

I did buy the plate, placemate and cup for Charlie. He loved it!

Wallgreens Virtual Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:18:00 +0000

Don't hate. I went from drab to fab just by scanning a few cosmetics. I wish this is how I could shop for clothes. And then have an online closet of outfits to pull from.

If you are in Chicago, and at the flagship Wallgreens, its worth the trip to the second floor.

Retail Living Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:11:00 +0000

The Living Poster at Retail.

Hallmark really got it right. Not only do you not have to stop to watch the whole thing to get it, but its well executed.

I missed you!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:26:00 +0000

I'm back. I have something in the world to say. So I blog. (oh... my inner Yoda came out) Confession:
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I can't spell.Forgive the typos.

First topic! Sarah's my new partner in crime at The Scope. And I love her. Our nickname for each other is wifey. She is the new Acct. Supervisor on the account. What an amazing fit and what a great partner.

Global Shop this spring was amazing!

Went with clients and really love walking the vendor floor space. It was clear this will be a retail conference I repeat.

Below: Digital Signage
I was on the hunt for digital signage and the back-end to support the video loop. Mood really had a nice booth and an interesting system. This will be in every store in the future. I think the most impactful would be the grocery store. Yum!

You know I'm going to want to touch it! Make demos big! Think theatre, drama when creating interactive displays in a retail space. I will want this table for my 2 year old at home.

Go big or go home. I need to get this size screen a store. Talk about a living wall.

Below: Fabric Architecture
I'm not sure when I can use the firm below. Hello! Amazing. Just got more information in the mail this past week.

Below: Digital Fabrics
With a longer lead time on a project, I'd like to take more time thinking about using this medium at retail. Not only could it be interactive but it is modular and easy to update. For pieces that change often like price, this could be use for mild to wild ideas.

After Baby Everything Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 02:15:00 +0000

What happened to my blog?
I used to care for it, feed it with new posts weekly if not daily.
After having a baby and keeping a very busy job, I must say I just can't do it all.

This was a safe place to store my inspiration, share what I'm dreaming about or what I'm working toward. I miss it. But I now have concerns over how much to share.

This blog's purpose has changed for me several times since starting in 2005. Is it about my love for retail design or how I cooked at home for almost a year without eating out or is it how I archive what inspires me?

Are we sharing to much?
I don't even check or post to Facebook anymore. My tweets have disappeared and this blog has become desolate.

There is a lot of noise today. A culture feeding on the unimportant. It is the shiny object syndrome...rather pandemic. Will I just be adding to the noise?

And lastly, I'm painfully aware that what you put out there does define you. Right now I'm still figuring what I want to say. You will be judged on how you say it. So I guess this past year I wasn't interested in saying much. I started blogging as a social experiment. It was exciting and it feed my ego. I've changed and grown so much since then. My ego is less important. When I think back I was just starting my last year in design school. Much has changed for me. Including this blog.

In closing, abandon or write?

Updated Logo for Chloe's Fight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:29:00 +0000

Wow! With so much going on at work and at home, I'm truly blessed and honored to be working on with Erica and Philip Barnes on Chloe's Fight.

This special angel lost her life to MLD, at age 2. She is such an inspiration to her parents. She has given them the courage to continue her fight against MLD with annual 5K run, walk, stroll. This is the second year hosting the event to take place on Oct. 20, 2012!!!

They asked if I would be willing to donate my time. Like I could say no. Look at that baby face.

I was asked to design and streamline the look to allow for different forms of printing.
The first designer, Melissa, who is just an angel for donating her time, had a great concept to use Chloe's profile. Hearts were important as well to Chloe's old sister Eva. After Chloe passed, each time Eva saw a heart it reminded her of Chloe. What a sweet symbol of love. All I did was really make it Chloe's profile and simplify the mark.

I told Erica and Philip this week that "it is just so right to have your champion lead the charge when someone comes into contact with your event. She is why it is so important to raise awareness and funds. It is your story and your humble "power of one" to find a cure that allows others to participate, inspire their passion and give of themselves. I humbly say this...as your event continues grow, she will become the reason for why it matters to find a cure to many."

Here is the new mark!
Eva... I got the heart in!
and I've illustrated Chloe's profile to truly make it her.
I can't tell you just how right it felt to help these people.

I feel like I learned so much already from Erica and Philip even thought they have been saying that of me.

One idea I keep revisiting, would it be great to do profiles of the whole family as a gift to them.

Well more to come. This project makes me feel so thankful and great. This was the outlet I needed. I feel like this project truly matters.

And its pink people!

Just Float

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Samantha French

Today I just need to float. I hope to own a Samantha French piece soon. Saving up for the below art piece.

The image above reminds me of summer days in Florida. The cool water and the feeling of being weightless. Underwater there is an echo that happens. Its is so lovely.

"Jifs" or Gifs...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:21:00 +0000

The Red Ball Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:05:00 +0000

UICA interview with Kurt Perschke from Kurt Perschke on Vimeo.

Not sure why I haven't heard about this until now. What a strange and yet simple idea. I love how people begin to play with the ball.

Best quote: "Play is big business"

Red Ball Project

Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:17:00 +0000

Image Via The Sartorialist

Currently I'm gathering content from blogs, magazines, and retail spaces to see what the trends will be for Fall 2012 and who current trends are cycling out.

My review will include color, pattern, typography and other design trends. My interest is how these trends will be applied to retail spaces.

My little guy at Target. Spring 2012

Will advertising and design take a nod to these trends and use them to define the seasonal calendar?

Wish me luck.

In Brief: 5-year-Old Analyzes Logos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:54:00 +0000

So cute! I love this. She sounds so smart! Very well done my lady.

The Craft before CGI

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

CGChannel uncovered this fantastic '80s vintage documentary that details the three-month process behind HBO's iconic pre-movie intro. Grit your teeth past the corny "Illusion!" song. It's worth it to see how special FX were made "with computers" before CG.
VIA: Gizmodo

Naming Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Ultrabook: Sweet Alt Media Work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:14:00 +0000

It's part product demonstration, part flash mob, part social content—but it's all about getting the brand out there.

Thank you Maggie and Scott for sharing.

Must Get Nike Fuel: Casey's View at the Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Red Robin | Banzai Love You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

The Periscope Digital peeps are hard at work making lots of cool stuff. This campaign caught my eye and is gaining major social media tread.

Red Robin Banzai Campaign

The contest is for those who discover the link either on Facebook, Twitter or a QRCode on the bottom of an in-store table topper. Guest what channel is kicking ass with hits. The QRCode!!! What! Its on the bottom of the table topper. NOTE: Periscope didn't have control over where another agency placed this icon. And some say QRCodes don't work. (Using the right tactics for the right audience. A one size fits all solution is NEVER the answer.)

Red Robin Fans are amazing!

Love this campaign as much as I love burgers and fries. Nice work comrades.

#BanzailLoveYou
Images of what People are posting on Twitter

The Sartorialist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000

The Sartorialist: Lunch for 25 from The Sartorialist on Vimeo.

What is not to love about this blog. Living in Minnesota it is hard to really see fashion with everyone either bundled up or super casual, me included.

I need to step up my self expression through what I wear. I really put no more that 30 sec each morning to figure it out.

It is hard with baby to really think about it when I'm getting him ready and getting out the door on time.
But the excuses really need to stop.

What is my style? I don't think I really have one.

I really loved following this lady as she mixed vintage with modern clothing. What I'm Wearing... this we an interesting experiment. I wonder if she will do it again.

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

A few goodies this Valentine's Day.

Strange how many photographers send Valentine's Day promotions. Oddly this one I like more for the photoshop editing skills than the actual content.

For years, Little&Co. has put out a one of a kind Valentine's Day Greeting. There have been a range of really wonderfully written and designed Valentines, but this has to be my favorite.
Write your loved one a little love song!

But I still really love last years too.

Mashable posted Top 10 Valentine's Day Cards for the techie in your life.
This one was my favorite.

I wish you a very happy St. Valentine's Day. My you shower your loved one with kisses and share with them how much you love them.

Love You,
Michelle