Wow, so—a lot has happened since we started this blog in February. First, we hope that you all are doing okay out there. We know that a lot of people in our little oceanfront city and beyond have lost employment or health care in the last month, and/or are struggling with other situations related to the COVID-19 crisis. Please know that we’re sending our care and concern your way, and here at PDC we are all trying to do our part to #flattenthecurve. Our designers have been working at home since mid-March and plan to continue conducting all of our meetings via Zoom at least through the end of April. What’s most important is making sure our community is as safe and healthy as possible. Thank you to the essential workers and everyone else who is doing their part to take care of our beloved Portland and home state of Maine.

Since so many small businesses are feeling the effects of social distancing right now, we thought we’d use this opportunity to tell you about a few exceptional women-owned small businesses who are near & dear to Portland Design Co and who do excellent quality work.

First up is Hope Rovelto, our large batch screen printing go-to person who is the owner & operator of Little Chair Printing on Congress Street in Portland. Hope’s work is fast and meticulous and infused with her strong belief in the importance of social justice. We love referring clients to her and hope that you’ll consider her for all your screen printing needs!

Second, we’re excited to shout out two more of our favorite collaborators: Meg Lambert Design who just worked with Elle Darcy on a merch design for Elle’s campaign #InsideWomensWork: a photography project highlighting women-owned businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.

We’re so impressed with this powerful initiative to lift up other women in this crisis moment. Check out Meg’s other design & branding work, and Elle’s photography & brand coaching business.

Here at Portland Design Co we know that collaboration is at the root of all kinds of good work, and we’re thrilled to get to work among so many talented, creative, and thoughtful people in Portland. We’ll keep updating you on our work and please remember us when you’re looking for design & branding support—we’re grateful to get to do this work, and grateful for you as part of our community.

Take good care of each other. More soon!

-The PDC Crew