problem solving Archives

How We Work: An Otherwise Case Study

We recently pitched a campaign for a commercial real estate client that was centered around the employee experience rather than the building itself. We knew it was a risky move, but it was a necessary, tuned-in response to the changing ways in which we work. The reality that we’re all too aware of is that […]

May 19 2022 by Madeline Rosemurgy in Editorials

A Case for Chicago Winters

“Winter came and the city turned monochrome — black trees against gray sky above white earth. Night now fell in midafternoon, especially when the snowstorms rolled in, boundless prairie storms that set the sky close to the ground, the city lights reflected against the clouds.” — President Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father: A Story […]

Jan 14 2022 by Madeline Rosemurgy in Editorials

Second first impressions: Reflections on naming at Otherwise

We founded our studio in 1992 under the name Otherwise, which went against the tide of naming conventions at the time. Lifetime devotees of language and grammar — and unafraid of doing things differently — the name Otherwise revealed itself naturally, signaling not only two forces coming together (design as “other” and ideas as “wise”), […]

Nov 11 2021 by The Otherwise Team in Editorials

Sounding Boards: Eastlake Studio’s Mural Initiative Amplifies Chicago Voices

At Otherwise, we believe in the power of art to bring communities together, ignite important conversations and explore the world around us through a critical lens. We recently found inspiration in Sounding Boards, an initiative that uses public art as a vehicle to amplify diverse voices throughout Chicago. Technically speaking, a sounding board is placed […]

Sep 15 2021 by Madeline Rosemurgy in Breaking the Grid

Anne Carson and the Corners of Branding

After attending an Anne Carson lecture “On Corners” at the University of Chicago, we explore the philosophy of corners and its branding application.

Jan 22 2020 by Zoe Raines in Editorials