We spend a lot of time on this blog showing our readers what other great designers are doing. From time to time we think it’s necessary to show what we do. As you can tell, we’re not an ordinary design firm. We launch inventive products, we create events, we do new types of websites with cool brand identities.  A lot of this comes from our enthusiasm to use a genuine grass-roots approach that is as dedicated to our community as it is to great design. Overall we believe our efforts come together in a way that make the unfamiliar familiar and that our efforts are both from the people that it’s for. When is our work for the community? When is it for our selves? When is it for our clients? For us it’s hard to get that separation. That’s what makes our work “sticky.”

Blue Flame Tattoo came to Gamil Design wanting a new website that was simple yet decorative, and able to accommodate large galleries for each of the artist. We designed a custom Wordpress theme which includes a homepage slideshow. Check out our portfolio site for more information on the project. or check out the new Blue Flame Tattoo website.

*SPARKcon showcases local creative talent in the NC Triangle. For four days, Raleigh’s Fayetteville St, public spaces, clubs and stages will be filled with art, music, dance, film, fashion, design, proposals, and more. Celebrating local cultural richness and empowering action through an open-source approach to collaboration and cross-pollination, SPARKcon is not a funded city program or an economic development stunt. It’s completely grassroots and by the people for the people! Join us as we explore the creative spirit of the Triangle!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Shop Local Raleigh website! The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association hired the joint team of Gamil Design and Thirdparty Labs (both Designbox members) to create the site. Gamil designed the site and then Thirdparty Labs built it with their Carbon Content Management Toolkit. At shoplocalraleigh.org, visitors can browse or search a directory of local member businesses, see Google map locations, join the campaign, and find out more about the benefits of shopping locally. Yay Raleigh!

Designbox has it’s 7th annual Brand Fandango celebration this season. The show opened First Friday, but DB has extended show hours, open on Saturdays through the 20th from 11a-4p and weekdays thru 19th from 12p-6p. Lots of unique gifts, including one-of-a-kind A.H. Peele tee-shirts made from multiple screens from his designs and commercial work. You may find a PBR logo nestled amongst some trippy flowers, or Willie Nelson’s head sticking out of some of Adams swirly vines! Also find unique and affordable art, beautiful contemporary jewelry, hip apparel, funky bags, hilarious holiday cards and more!

The 16th annual Boylan Artwalk is this Sunday, December 7 from 1p-5p. Over 100 local artists and crafts people display perfect gifts on porches and in homes throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy the walk and then walk away finished with your shopping! Whether you are looking for metal, glass, clay, wood or fiber, it’s all here.

The Rock & Shop Market, a hip urban market featuring emerging designers and live music, is Sunday, December 13 from 1p-5p at Tir Na Nog. Over 30 vendors will be selling jewelry, silkscreen stuff, ornaments, soaps and candles, bags and more – all to the sounds of Whistlestop and The Tender Fruit.

Looking for local music? Check out Holly Raleigh Christmas, a compilation CD of local musicians! The proceeds go to local charities, and the project is sponsored by local businesses, including the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association.

Give more to your favorite local music artist by buying music direct instead of through a big music store. Superfan Records is a record label where the musicians actually get the money! Really? Yes!  Buy the new Kickin Grass CD (art designed by local designers – GAMIL!), Regina Hexaphone or Monologue Bombs!

Here’s a list of other great local places to shop:
Rebus Works: a gallery of NC arts and crafts, as well as framing.
Stitch: Holly Aiken’s wonderful world of bags, now on Hargett St.
Great Outdoor Provision: All the outdoor gear of a big box in a great locally owned store.
Father & Son: Vintage, Kitsch, Mid Century and other buzzwords for your offbeat gift needs.
Stuff Consignment: Taking thrift store to a whole nutha level.
FM Goods: your local source for street wear, sneakers and art with some attitude.
Nofo: locally owned store of eclectic and funky gifts with a cafe for a nice little break.

Also, check out NewRaleigh.com throughout the season. They’re always up to date on events and opportunities. Have Fun!