THE SHAWNEE MISSION EAST HARBINGER • IN KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE • STUDIO HUMANKIND BLOG

CHECK ON YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
– WE'RE NOT OKAY

"I know, I sound selfish—high school is only four years of our entire life—but while looking for ways to cope we have to understand that we’re all in this together. Big picture, we’re all trying to understand. But it’s the smaller picture we’re trying to accept—the smaller, virtual picture of my friends and classmates on a laptop screen instead of in-person, in my classroom, walking across that stage."

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KEEPING UP WITH THE
KONTROVERSY

The Kardashians offer a glimpse into a world of empty glam — the home of Prada-ridden closets, private jets, chinchilla fur throws and exotic vacations around the world while maintaining the relatable mundanity of sisterhood and modern family life — yet one suspicion of lip injections turns into a whirlwind of headlines attacking
the whole pack.

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MIDWEST IN DISTRESS
NSPA FIFTH PLACE CLIMATE REPORTING

Last year, Kansas’s agricultural exports accounted for nearly $3.4 billion, which went towards helping the economy by producing products such as wheat, beef and other crops. However, due to changes in climate and weather patterns, exports and agricultural products are projected to decline 13 percent within the next few years, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment.

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WORTH THE RISK?
KSPA FIRST PLACE NEWS WRITING

Bought by ByteDance in August of 2018 — under its former name, Musical.ly — TikTok’s affiliation with the Chinese government, given its billion-user platform and growing popularity, has raised questions of whether or not China has access to the app’s users’ data. Although other technology companies and apps like Facebook and WhatsApp store personal data, TikTok differs because their Chinese ownership allows them to operate outside of U.S. control and laws. 

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OUT OF FOCUS
KSPA THIRD PLACE FEATURE

"The 504 plan, and the process to receive one, is far more tedious than a more common and simple alternative that other East students turn to to succeed — buying Adderall off of other classmates. Whether it’s spending 60 days in evaluation for a 504 plan or spending $3 on a single pill before a math final, some students grasp for whatever will boost their grade point average."

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PRESCRIBED BY MYSELF
NEWS-FEATURE

The recent death of rapper Mac Miller on Sept. 7 and the July overdose of singer Demi Lovato has Twitter users calling drug and alcohol abuse corresponding to mental health the “invisible disease.” Substance abuse through self medication — the act of using unprescribed drugs in an attempt to relieve pain or issues — affects 24.6 million Americans over the age of 12 per year who admit to using substances for self-help related reasons, making up nearly 9.4 percent of the population, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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INTRODUCTION TO BRAND ARCHETYPES & HOW TO FIND YOURS BLOG

"No longer does simply integrating great brand copy, an amazing identity design or strong marketing define how brands are perceived in the market. Instead, we look to brand character grounded in psychological research that defines what it means to draw attraction to a certain aspect of a greater human desire. When we consider that certain personalities increase certain desires, it provides way to a deeper understanding as to why some or these behaviors appeal to us more than others."

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CREATIVITY & STRATEGY BLOG

"Design thinking is applicable no matter your role or industry and pulls together what’s desirable from a human point of view, along with what is technologically feasible and economically viable. Whether you work for a small business or non-profit, it works to help you develop innovative solutions based on the needs of your customers and lead you to innovative new solutions in your business."

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CREATIVITY & STRATEGY BLOG

"Design thinking is applicable no matter your role or industry and pulls together what’s desirable from a human point of view, along with what is technologically feasible and economically viable. Whether you work for a small business or non-profit, it works to help you develop innovative solutions based on the needs of your customers and lead you to innovative new solutions in your business."

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SOURCING & SUPPORTING THE FAIR TRADE MOVEMENT BLOG

"Fair Trade Organizations engage actively with consumers, in supporting producers, raising awareness, and campaigning for change in the rules and practice of conventional international trade so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their fullest potential. When you choose to purchase fair trade, you’re saying that it’s important to you and your business that the person who made your product is not being exploited — you’re investing in the dignity and well-being of others."

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SOURCING & SUPPORTING THE FAIR TRADE MOVEMENT BLOG

"Fair Trade Organizations engage actively with consumers, in supporting producers, raising awareness, and campaigning for change in the rules and practice of conventional international trade so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their fullest potential. When you choose to purchase fair trade, you’re saying that it’s important to you and your business that the person who made your product is not being exploited — you’re investing in the dignity and well-being of others."

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HOW TO STAND OUT IN THE
"DO GOOD ERA" BLOG

"When you’re a small fish in a big pond looking to create meaningful impact in your business, you must have a truly authentic purpose, whatever that may be. New, purpose-driven organizations are evolving in the marketplace each and every day — so how do you set yourself apart?"

HOW TO STAND OUT IN THE
"DO GOOD ERA" BLOG

"When you’re a small fish in a big pond looking to create meaningful impact in your business, you must have a truly authentic purpose, whatever that may be. New, purpose-driven organizations are evolving in the marketplace each and every day — so how do you set yourself apart?"

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THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN IN PURCHASE DECISIONS BLOG

"When was the last time you purchased something WITHOUT the label? It’s not possible. So, then, how often have you purchased something BECAUSE OF the label? Easy to get wrapped up in the beautiful design, right? Whether it’s a bright and busy design or a simple clean label, we tend to gravitate towards thoughtful and effective design. 

So why do we lean towards certain design styles? It all comes down to psychology."

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THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN IN PURCHASE DECISIONS BLOG

"When was the last time you purchased something WITHOUT the label? It’s not possible. So, then, how often have you purchased something BECAUSE OF the label? Easy to get wrapped up in the beautiful design, right? Whether it’s a bright and busy design or a simple clean label, we tend to gravitate towards thoughtful and effective design. 

So why do we lean towards certain design styles? It all comes down to psychology."

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FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE INVESTING IN BRAND DESIGN BLOG

"02. HAVE YOU DEVELOPED A CONSISTENT STYLE IN YOUR WORK OR IS IT STILL EVOLVING?
The difference between a new brand and someone who has been in business for multiple years is an understanding of identity – both as a business owner and as a brand. The first few years of business shape your work, meaning you will often change your mind. It’s not worth investing in custom design until you are confident in your work and style."

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FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE INVESTING IN BRAND DESIGN BLOG

"02. HAVE YOU DEVELOPED A CONSISTENT STYLE IN YOUR WORK OR IS IT STILL EVOLVING?
The difference between a new brand and someone who has been in business for multiple years is an understanding of identity – both as a business owner and as a brand. The first few years of business shape your work, meaning you will often change your mind. It’s not worth investing in custom design until you are confident in your work and style."

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FINDING YOUR NICHE
AUDIENCE BLOG

"It’s easy to be a small fish in a large pond, but carefully curating your niche audience for a smaller pond makes it easier to become the bigger fish. So, when growing your business, remember: specificity sells.

Your customized and unique specialties draw in clients looking for exactly what you’re selling and creates a personalized experience for that client while generating a positive working relationship."

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FINDING YOUR NICHE
AUDIENCE BLOG

"It’s easy to be a small fish in a large pond, but carefully curating your niche audience for a smaller pond makes it easier to become the bigger fish. So, when growing your business, remember: specificity sells.

Your customized and unique specialties draw in clients looking for exactly what you’re selling and creates a personalized experience for that client while generating a positive working relationship."

READ MORE