Featuring New York's Robert Valentine design firm with a penchant for lifestyle clients; Staten Island resident Joe Ciardello's illustrations that combine his love of jazz and drawing; Toronto photographer Ron Baxter Smith's creative problem-solving approach; San Diego illustrator/designer Gerald Bustamante who finds inspiration south of the border; a report on the 8th annual Asian awards competition in Hong Kong; thirty-six U.S. design firms who share their thrifty creative design solutions; environmentally responsible packaging; thoughtful and professional columns for all creative professionals.