Grain Design

I was asked to showcase an admirable graphic design firm, and after some research, Grain has my vote. I chose them because they are an ethical, environmentally responsible firm with some very high profile accounts (Intel, Nissan USA, Brown University, Seattle Art Museum, Anthropologie, American Design Club, Rhode Island School of Design.. to name a few).
Grain, located in Seattle, was founded in 2007 at the Rhode Island School of Design. The firm is not limited to graphic design, but also branches out into industrial design as well as interior design. Grain is a collaborative of designers with "the shared vision of a sustainable future... driven by the belief that social values and good business are not mutually exclusive, but are, in fact, partners." For example, the company designed a product called Ty, a 100% recyclable shower curtain, available internationally.

Grain is a member of 1% For The Planet, so 1% of their annual revenue goes back to environmental non-profit organizations like The Organic Seed Alliance, PCC Farmland Trust, The Nature Conservatory, and the National Park Foundation. Employees also regularly volunteer at Project H Seattle, and are co-organizers with JOIN: Design Seattle.

Grain is committed to a sense of community and craftsmanship. Their products are made with care in small batches, in partnership with local expert artisans and professionals.

I would love to work for (or own...) a company like this. I admire their strong ethical values and obviously incredible business strategy, and like to see this kind of company succeed. I think it's a delicate balance to have both a successful and truly ethical business.

Here's some of Grain's work that I like...

Seattle Design Festival

Woonwinkel Design Market Poster

Textile Design

Blak Designmart

Grain's website and blog didn't have much of a portfolio, but the work that's available online looks trendy and modern. Makes me think that Seattle would be a good spot for an internship...