Finding the Creative Path to Happiness, Nicky & Stuart Alden

The small, multi-disciplinary creative studio of Idaho Stew was created to combat "getting stuck" with always doing the same thing for the same client day after day. Born in Idaho, raised in the countryside of Northern Colorado – Stuart decided to play off his name while being honest to his roots. He wanted the freedom to continually explore all areas of creativity and find tangible ways to apply to client work.

When Nicky first met Stuart she had no idea that within 3 years she would leave the world of corporate design and secure paychecks and also find herself immersed in creativity – in a place that would allow her to practice what she preached. That every little thing you do - or don't do - can make a difference.

Today – both designers have gone places that they would never have imagined. In the past few years they have exhibited in Cuba, selected to design and hand-screenprint posters for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, spoke in Venezuela, traveled to a displacement camp in India, taught screen-printing workshops to ages 5-55, gave Desmond Tutu a high-5 – and now getting ready to head off to China to photograph and volunteer for the Icograda World Design Congress.

At close to 20 years post-graduation from college - they have found an unusual creative path to happiness. And coming mid-November they'll be excited to share some stories about what keeps them inspired, and host a workshop to get your hands off the keyboard – and immersed in ink.

To get a glimpse of what keeps them busy you can visit their websites: www.IdahoStew.com or www.InkLoungeGallery.com