We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce two new members of the J H I family. Chris, our design intern, recently graduated from VCU and has been producing fantastic work alongside Creative Director John Homs. Our other new addition, Tara, is also a VCU grad and has been working closely with Heidi to manage all of our exciting projects still in the works.

Here is a little fun info about them so you can say ‘hi’ next time you call up and hear “Good morning: J H I!”

Name: Chris Lewis

Hobbies: Mountain Bikes, the Outdoors, and English Football
Favorite Quote: The details are not the details. They make the design - Charles Eames
Where I see myself in 5 years: 5 years older, I’ll figure the rest out when I get there…
Favorite movie: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
If I could have lunch with any celebrity, it would be: George Clooney
Worst Trait: I’m too good at dancing
Best Trait: I’m a very good dancer
If I could travel anywhere, I’d go to: The Netherlands
Word that best describes me: Human

Name: Tara Hendelman

Hobbies: Music, shoes, laughing
Favorite Quote: Everything happens for a reason.
Where I see myself in 5 years: Super organized, or completely chaotic
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
If I could have lunch with any celebrity, it would be: Ricky Gervais or Jay-Z
Worst Trait: I can’t make decisions…wait, is that my worst quality?
Best Trait: Sense of humor
If I could travel anywhere, I’d go to: Thailand
Word that best describes me: Outgoing

A fantastic infographic from GOOD.is showing the dramatic increase in recent years in good-for-the-earth human-powered transport. Let’s keep it going! Click here for the full size graphic.

That bright orange scooter parked outside is the sign of a new addition here at J H I.

Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Meena Khalili, designer and illustrator and the newest addition to J H I. It is a sincere privilege to be working in this productive and successful creative think tank!

I’ve come to J H I just after receiving my MFA in Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to that, I studied Illustration at VCU where I earned my BFA in Communication Arts and Design. I have studied illustration in Florence Italy, and taught graphic design in Doha, Qatar. I get my good ideas by traveling, observing cultures, and drawing the world around me.

Just last month, Applied Arts Magazine recognized a series of my illustrations which were inspired by the charming and charismatic coffee shops I’ve observed here in Richmond, Virginia. This work will be featured in the September 2010 Student Awards Issue of Applied Arts Magazine as well as in the November Awards Exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

Richmond, Virginia. this historic and interesting city, is chock full of visual nourishment that continues to feed us those good ideas!

(Richmond Coffee Shop Series Award Winners)

J H I is featured in the January issue of Grid Magazine.  Grid is a new publication serving the Greater Richmond Region, and J H I is honored to be featured in the “Innovators” section of the publication – believe us when we tell you that we’re among excellent company.  Check out the article here. And remember, its always a good idea to share good news with a friend!

You’ve met our intern Stephanie here on our blog (if you haven’t met her in the office or spoken to her on the phone), and I’d like to take a moment to toot her horn just a bit.   Although we already know she is absolutely fabulous and a wonderful addition to JHI, Print Magazine has recognized her design star potential and selected her cover design as one of three finalists for the student cover competition. This year’s theme asked design students to address a global problem and show how good design could solve it.  Stephanie’s cover design oh so cleverly addressed the issue of public transportation.

We’re so proud of her, and to show it, we’ve all voted a million times in support (because clearly it is the best and we are showing no bias what-so-ever). We’d love it if you did the same!  Click to vote for Stephanie now!

There are 2 things in life that I love above all others: new people and accessories. A few weeks ago, J H I got one of each! Stephanie recently graduated from VCU in graphic design. She also spent a semester studying architecture in Copenhagen which means she speaks Danish. That adds one more language to the J H I repertoire, bringing the grand total to 4 different languages! She is also a great asset as a talented designer and a very hard worker.

The long-awaited RMCVB shopping bags arrived the very same week as Stephanie did and she jumped right in and helped us show off the fun Virginia-themed illustration. The bags are stylish and fun and a great way to promote the Richmond Region!

Which creates an immediate opportunity for someone else: if you know any cracker jack graphic designers with great skills, a few years of experience and the ability to come up with and execute brilliant ideas while juggling multiple projects and managing clients like a Hollywood press agent, tell him/her to send his/her portfolio to johnhoms@jhigoodidea.com. We’re looking for someone who can fit right in with the rest of us aesthetically obsessed, time challenged, perfectionistic overacheivers….