Designers have a way of finding the hippest places in town. We went to Los Angeles and got the scoop on all the best places to stay, eat, drink and play while you're in town. Plus, get the insider's pulse on what the creativity community and job market look like there. Whether you're looking to visit or make the move, this Designer's Guide will point you everywhere that you'll want to be.

Designers have a way of finding the hippest places in town. We are journeying across the U.S. to bring you the scoop on all the best places to stay, eat, drink and play at the country's most creative cities, from L.A. to Seattle to Philadelphia, even the best of Omaha and Kansas City. Plus, get the insider's pulse on what the creativity communities and job markets look like in each town. Whether you're looking to visit or make the move, let these Designer's Guides point you everywhere that you'll want to be!

How often do you get a great idea and let it fall by the wayside? Is there a way to get more out of your creativity and make it more productive?  Here's a sneak peek into how one team has switched they way they do things around the office to do just that. Learn from them, and watch your creativity flourish.

During a weeklong trip to Haiti, one of HOW's editors gained new insight on things we take for granted every day. Read on and get inspired, too, by the ordinary things already around you.

You've seen the website (FutureMe.org). Now there's an equally addicting book, and you can be one of the first to check out it before it even hits shelves by downloading our exclusive book excerpt.

Do you design to the beat of a different drummer? If you've ever wondered how music influences creativity, keep reading. Five firms share their secrets on incorportating music in the workplace. 

Chris Sickels—farm boy, new dad, illustrator—creates magical worlds full of whimsical characters. A peek inside his studio reveals his personality, his process and his inspiration.

Using found materials can provide great inspiration in your next design project. Here two firms share how they integrate found materials into their brainstorm process and as a way to establish clear criteria with clients.

Want to put the pedal to the metal and set your creative spirit free? Here’s how 29 designers just like you left the daily grind of the design business in the dust.

What happens when a symbol is more than just a symbol, when its roots are deep and disturbing? One designer tells how a simple red star in his personal logo caused an emotional and cultural backlash from his closest family.