DVQ Studio

At DVQ Studio, we are communicators by trade but social change junkies at heart. We work exclusively with nonprofits and businesses with a social purpose to help them define who they are, tell their story, and connect their mission to action. We have helped more than 30 nonprofits create everything from new brand identities to websites, print materials, and more. When we’re not working with clients, DVQ is an outlet for experimenting and creating new things in the social change sector and beyond. We love trying out new technology, brainstorming ideas for books, music, and art, or discussing other ways to become rock stars and poets.

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Teachable moments

This is an exciting day. Eric is bestowing upon Gretchen more of his vast knowledge and love of Drupal, our favorite content management system here at DVQ Studio. From where I sat in the adjoining office, I heard some lovely conversation about databases, content types, and designing with the functionality of a content management system in mind. And only a small amount of Wordpress-bashing from what I could tell... which is surprising, considering the Wordpress vs. Drupal showdown is one of Eric's favorite soapboxes. 

- emily

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Already using Google+? Follow Mashable News for the latest about the platform's new features, tips and tricks as well as our top social media and technology updates. Are you addicted to Google+ like millions of others early adopters? Do you spend your Saturday nights hanging out in Google+ Han...

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Another sign that it's time to move past the generational navel gazing and stereotyping and start telling relevant, targeted stories > "The year that someone was born will not tell you how likely he is to buy your product. Fragmentation is now the norm because the pace of change is accelerating. Generations have been getting smaller because there are fewer unifying characteristics of young people today than ever before."

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The thing about taking on things like Craigslist and Backpage is that these goals, while hardly impacting the problem or helping victims, result in "victories" that people can see. In a daunting war where progress is difficult, a safe and fast crusade means more media attention (for celebrities), more voters (for politicians), and more money (for organizations).

A really interesting read at BlogHer that demonstrates how the work of systemic change comes with nuances that celebrity efforts and awareness campaigns often miss. Ashton Kutcher Versus the Village Voice: Why Numbers and Language Matter in Social Causes | BlogHer

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Good reminder about the power of focus, especially when that focus comes from knowing your audience and purpose. (via A Lesson Learned On Trying To Appeal To Everyone | The Rise to the Top)

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The role of a creative leader is not to have all the ideas; it’s to create a culture where everyone can have ideas and feel that they’re valued. So it’s much more about creating climates. I think it’s a big shift for a lot of people.

Ken Robinson On The Principles Of Creative Leadership | Fast Company

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Smart guide for marketing your content and measuring its success. The Content Grid: Assessing Your Content in Relation to Business Objectives. (via SocialFish)

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We like people who like to make cool stuff.

Yasmin, our design intern, shows off her ukelele and some of her brand work and handmade projects on her last day in the office. (We're a multi-talented bunch at DVQ.) She is on the verge of launching her own crafty business... and we'll be the first to share a link to her Etsy shop when she finally sets one up!

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NextGenNow leaders are not social entrepreneurs because they don’t start with social or environmental problems, and build businesses around them. They start with and stay with their own drive and a unique vision. They use their personal passion to find ways to contribute in the world.

Now What? Young Leaders Are Changing the World by Working for Themselves (June 14, 2011) | Opinion Blog | Stanford Social Innovation Review