I’m a few months late writing about this, but I’m grateful to finally learn about writer and brand strategist Alina Wheeler after her passing last December. Author of the book Designing Brand Identity, first published in 2003, which highlighted the vital relationship between strategy and design. I ordered the book soon after reading her obituary and several condolences by designers and creatives I admire.

I discovered this incredibly interesting mural artist today, John Cerney, who paints large scale cut-out figures along roadsides in California and the Midwest. His subjects range from well-known pop icons like James Dean, Elvis Presley, Area 51 aliens and others to American farmers and fruit pickers going about their normal everyday work. John’s website is www.johncerneymurals.com.