The Blog
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2019 Design Trends
At the beginning of a new year, we like to check in with the design world to see what was trendy the previous year, and predict what we feel will be popular in the year to come. While this list is by no means something we encourage designers and creatives to stick to, it’s a…
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Slow Living in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
There has been quite a buzz around “slow living” lately, a movement that values a more balanced, mindful, decelerated lifestyle. Stemming from the “slow food” movement that began in Italy in the 80’s–which was the antidote to fast food and promoted taking your time to prepare and eat your food, enjoying conversation over your meal…
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5 Qualities Expats and Entrepreneurs Have in Common
Being an expat and a small business owner go hand in hand, because as a foreigner in Costa Rica (and many other countries) you cannot legally work, but you CAN legally start a business, or work for yourself online. But like us, many of our expat friends and clients are serial entrepreneurs because they love…
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Learn Spanish the fun, natural (and inexpensive) way
If you’re thinking about traveling to Latin America, and definitely if you are planning to move to a Spanish-speaking country, you should learn some Spanish. The more you learn, the easier getting around and getting things done will be. Plus you’ll avoid awkward, confusing or embarrassing scenarios, or more seriously, avoid being taken advantage of…
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Top Mistakes Expat-Owned Small Businesses Make in Costa Rica
We’ve been part of the expat community in Costa Rica for over 4 years now, and we work closely with many expats who are starting small businesses. Over the years we have also attempted quite a few small businesses of our own, and seen friends and acquaintances go through multiple business ideas as well. We…
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Altaris Law’s Project: Small Business Starter
We are very excited to share this project, not only because we love working with innovative, forward thinking clients like Ian and Zach, the founders of Altaris Law, but also because it’s a great example of our Small Business Starter package. This covers all the basics for small business owners who are just getting started…
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Brand Development for Il Rustico
We had the pleasure of helping another young entrepreneur couple in Costa Rica with their restaurant branding recently. They make amazing, authentic Italian food and have opened an adorable, comfortable restaurant featuring homemade pastas and pizzas that taste just like nonna’s cooking! After sitting down with them (over a pizza and glass of vino, of…
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Logo Design & Brand Development Process
One of the first things a new business needs is a logo, and if you want your business to have a cohesive, professional appearance, developing your brand’s overall visual style is equally important. We offer logo and branding packages for this reason, that involve a multi-step process for developing your brand. Many people ask us…
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Behind the Design: Pacific Bottom Dwellers
I’ve always had a deep fascination and connection with the sea. Countless hours of my childhood were spent in the ocean learning to surf in San Clemente, CA, or walking down the sandy beaches. After the years passed my love for the sea drove me in new directions. Now many years later, I have found…
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Community Sign Painting Event in Playa Junquillal
The pavement stops before you arrive to the small beach towns in the area where we are currently living, and bumpy dirt roads wind their way to the coast. Most people who are from here or live here full-time are used to dogs lounging in the street, monkeys occasionally scurrying to a tree on the…
