MYORB
Video, 3min 26sec, 2008 (TRW02)

MyORB (My Orange Box) is a graphic design company run by Lucie Eder based in New York City. The "orange box" in its name refers to a design school project of a literal orange box used to distinguish Lucie's portfolio from the ubiquitous black. Today, this drive for distinction continues to underscore the work of this small design studio. In its own quiet way, MyORB works assiduously with its clients to produce clear graphic information that help clients best understand and express their own identity. In fact, MyORB's chief strength is identity development, championing the belief that good design can be both revelatory and transformative.

We spoke with Lucie at her office in SoHo about independence and self-determination and how these values struggle at times for control over a small business. We were interested to see how a small design company operates in a city full of designers where clients have a wide range of studio options, from large multi-national offices to desktop amateurs with budding design aspirations. We were impressed with the way MyORB's client list has evolved -- nearly entirely word-of-mouth recommendations, which indicates not only client satisfaction but also a kind of informal affinity network of small businesses, the kind of network we admire and seek to support.