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Welcome back to In The Margins! A collection of what’s inspiring me lately — in design, music, interiors, and everything in between.
SUMMER READING
I joined a book club in an effort to push myself to read more this year, and we just finished up Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It was a fairly smooth read that kept me entertained and engaged the whole time. The way it all tied together in the end was incredible, and I will admit I cried like a baby.
I really enjoyed all of the artistic references throughout the book. Theo spending time admiring all of the art that he came in contact with just felt so relatable. I love making up stories about the artwork I see and trying to see if I can figure out the story behind it before reading the description or doing my own research. It put words to something I experience so often. I felt like I could see what was happening as it was happening. And if I paused to close my eyes, I could add in additional details that were missed from the pages.
I’ve always been a bit of an emotional person, but this book just showed me even more so how true that really is. I want to give more insight, but I honestly think my takeaways from the book deserve their own post. So much humanity and so many good life lessons that I plan on taking with me through all of the future seasons of my life.
STUCK IN A DAYDREAM
One thing that comes up for me a lot when I try to tap into my creativity is figuring out how to access my inner child and the carefree creative being that I was. What made me happy at the time, and where was the source of this endless inspiration? Though most of it is likely due to the innocence and freedom of being a child, I like to imagine that there are ways to tap into this by doing similar things we did as children and seeing if we can get a little of that inspiration to show up.
One thing that came to mind recently for me is daydreaming. Imagine you are sitting in a class and learning about something that feels a bit dry. You start to look out the window and notice a patch of wildflowers dancing and slowly drift into a state where you imagine yourself frolicking in the flowers and dancing with the wind. And that little spark leads to even more spark. The gift of observation paired with daydreaming.
Spending time in little worlds that you create is one of my favorite ways to generate new ideas and be creative. It’s also a nice practice in staying present and observing your surroundings (without immediately defaulting to scrolling).
Next time you are sitting in a cafe or restaurant alone, I challenge you to daydream. Imagine what future you will be doing in 5 years. Picture yourself dancing on a cliff by the sea, or dressing to the nines and throwing an elaborate dinner party. Spend time doodling on paper or Post-its rather than taking notes on your computer. Take a walk and watch the flowers dance.
THE CASE FOR ANONYMOUS WORK
I read this piece on Creative Boom about Ken White, and it really resonated with me. White never signed his name to his work, and though he created some of the most iconic imagery, like the Scarlet Lady for Virgin Airlines, he never felt the need to sign his name to it. Never chased likes on social media or credit lines. He focused mainly on the craft, rather than recognition.
There is something so noble and refreshing about that. He created for himself and his clients and found true value in his work, rather than creating for the sole purpose of lots and lots of people seeing your work and giving recognition.
I also love how Tom May mentions that “great work doesn’t need a signature,” and that remains so true. It makes me think of iconic logos like the Nike swoosh created by Carolyn Davidson while she was a student, and how that mark stands the test of time. So many people interact with that brand and have no idea of the origins of the logo, but it remains one of the most recognized logo marks of all time.
It felt like a good reminder that visibility and self-promotion is not the main goal of creative careers, and you can have a perfectly successful career without a lot of that.
Read the full piece here.
ON REPEAT
The current song that I can’t seem to kick from the rotation is “Thrown Down” by Fleetwood Mac. I think I have my yearning for autumn to blame for this… I am excited for cooler weather, the treats, the comfort shows/movies, and the fashion that come along with it. I also just started rewatching the Coven season of AHS, so you know I have to listen to Stevie Nicks while doing that.
RECENT SAVES
I’ve been so inspired by Victorian interiors and vintage designers recently. I love the craftsmanship and the attention to detail. So many beautiful details to admire.
Photo by Irving Penn for Vogue’s December 1995 issue
Fans by Avril Hart & Emma Taylor, 1998
André Perugia, Vogue October 1956
Source Unknown, Found on Pinterest
Ball Gown, House of Worth (French, 1858–1956)
Yves Saint Laurent’s Paris Studio
Photo by Paolo Abate of an Italian Interior
Vintage "Pearl" seashell-style payphone enclosure
Portrait of James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, Later 3rd Marquis and 1st Duke of Hamilton, Aged 17 (circa 1623)
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!
Until next time,
Bailey
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And if you’d like to work together on a creative project in 2026, feel free to email me at bailey@staticcatstudio.com