CurlyRed

06/24/2026

Do you ever wonder how AI-art is "created"?

Currently, the process goes something like this: The language models and image generators need samples before they can generate anything. The giant tech companies call this “training” – the Artificial Intelligence machines are being provided huge datasets that are run through several algorithms.

But this data comes from humans. In the case of image generators, the entire internet is scraped and scoured so that as many images as possible can be put into these "training" datasets. Basically, if you can find it on the internet, it will be taken. Without our data (or “content”, as corporations like to call it), none of these tools would exist. When they do find and use this data for "training," artists receive no compensation for their work, which is essentially copied and robbed from them. In our opinion, art generated by AI should be a crime, but it isn't. We the artists are the ones to suffer the consequences of this theft, and there's very little we can do about it, other than educate the public on how this is happening.

At CurlyRed, we are committed to handcrafted design. We believe that the human touch is essential in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with our client’s audience. We forgo the use of Artificial Intelligence in our design process, ensuring every concept and final piece is imbued with the creativity and expertise of our designers. This approach allows us to deliver designs that are truly original and tailored to the Client’s specific needs.

In short, by hiring us, you’re supporting human artists, the local economy AND preventing theft.

Ready to learn more? Contact us for a free consultation.

CurlyRed is a graphic design company based in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland that specializes in branding, print, web design and web development.

06/17/2026

Meet our newest CurlyRed graphic design intern,
Amanda McCormick! We had her answer a few get-to-know-you questions:

1. Where do you attend school? What is your major?
I attend Garrett College and my major is Graphic & Web Design.

2. What’s your dream career?
My dream career is to create video games.

3. What do you love about art?
I love creating art with alcohol markers, and how no matter who makes the art, no two pieces of art are ever the same.

4. Why is graphic design a good fit for your personality?
Graphic design fits my personality because I am creative, enjoy expressing ideas visually, and graphic design is a way to include math in my art.

5. Why did you want to intern for CurlyRed?
I wanted to intern for CurlyRed because I wanted real-world experience working with a professional design and marketing team while learning from experienced designers.

6. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned up to this point as an artist?
The most important thing I've learned is that good design is not just about making something look good. It is about creating a message effectively.

7. How will this internship change the way you approach your career?
This internship will change my approach by helping me think out-of-the-box about design, and considering the audiences that I will be designing for.

8. Why do you think someone should choose CurlyRed for their internship?
Someone should choose CurlyRed because it provides hands-on experience, mentorship and real opportunities for the future.

9. What’s your favorite typeface and why?
My favorite typeface is Great Vibes because it has a beautiful cursive style, feels elegant, and adds personality to a design while still being easy to read. But If I am being honest, I have not found my favorite font yet!

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Thanks, Amanda! We're excited to see what you'll discover this summer—perhaps even a favorite font!

06/10/2026

Meet our newest CurlyRed graphic design intern,
Alayna Weeks (fun fact: Alayna is the cousin our our very own lead designer, Olivia)!

1. Where did you attend school? What was your major?
attended school at Garrett College for two years, and then transferred to Frostburg State University for two years after that and just recently graduated! My major was in Art and Design with focuses in Graphic Design and Photography and a minor in Art History.

2. What’s your dream career?
My dream career is to be a graphic designer where I can really express my creativity daily!

3. What do you love about art?
I love that art has no rules. It allows the artist to be as creative and expressive as they want to be!

4. Why did you want to intern for CurlyRed?
I really wanted to intern at CurlyRed because I wanted to gain knowledge and experience of what it will be like to work as a graphic designer.

5. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned up to this point as an artist?
I think the most important thing I have learned thus far as an artist is understanding that everyone has different art styles and ways they respond to art.

6. How will this internship change the way you approach your career?
I think this internship will greatly prepare me and change the way I approach my future career because I will gain experience speaking with real clients and presenting my work confidently.

7. Why do you think someone should choose CurlyRed for their creative needs?
think someone should choose CurlyRed for their creative needs because they strive to meet with their clients first in order to create a personal bond and use this in their creativity! They pay attention to the small details that make everything come together!

8. What’s your favorite typeface and why?
My favorite type face is currently Rafaella! I love the elegance it has combined with a subtle boldness.

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We're excited to have you join our team this summer, Alayna!

06/04/2026

If you’re nervous about the data centers required to power A.I., you’re right on the money.

Data centers

💦require massive amounts of water for cooling.
Permanently depletes local aquifers and wells, sometimes noticeably decreasing water pressure for residential neighborhoods and agricultural needs.

💰Causes electricity demands to skyrocket and leads to higher utility bills.

🏭rely on diesel-fueled backup generators to maintain uptime during grid failures. These emit severe amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter, linked to localized increases in asthma and cardiovascular issues.

😵‍💫are crazy loud. Cooling fans, rooftop HVAC units, and backup generators can generate constant industrial hums and bursts of loud noise (up to \(85-100\) decibels).

🔦often cast continuous, disruptive light “halos” across the night sky.

At CurlyRed, we are committed to handcrafted design. We believe that the human touch is essential in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with our client’s audience. We forgo the use of Artificial Intelligence in our design process, ensuring every concept and final piece is imbued with the creativity and expertise of our designers. This approach allows us to deliver designs that are truly original and tailored to the Client’s specific needs.

In short, by hiring us, you’re making a better choice for the environment AND your community.

Ready to learn more? Contact us for a free consultation.

06/01/2026

The first landscape job I ever did was for friends of ours next door. I completed it with my dad, and at the time, I never would have imagined that New Earth Landscapes would grow into what it is today in just five short years. Thanks to all of you for your support to help make this happen!

05/29/2026

Behind the scenes at (new CurlyRed client) Harvest House DCL. Our job is SO HARD and NEVER ANY FUN AT ALL.

05/27/2026

CurlyRed is a small team of local artists. We geek out over typefaces and color palettes. We love looking at wine labels, movie posters and album art. We also love living, working and playing right here in Town of Oakland, Maryland, in the heart of Appalachia.

By hiring CurlyRed instead of using A.I., you're supporting local designers, that in turn, support our region. We hire interns from local schools (and yes, we pay our interns!). We shop and dine locally, give back to local nonprofits, and volunteer for local events.

At CurlyRed, we are committed to handcrafted design. We believe that the human touch is essential in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with our client’s audience. We forgo the use of Artificial Intelligence in our design process, ensuring every concept and final piece is imbued with the creativity and expertise of our designers. This approach allows us to deliver designs that are truly original and tailored to the Client’s specific needs.

In short, by hiring us, you're helping a small, woman-owned US-based business continue to thrive and help others.

Ready to learn more? Contact us for a free consultation.

05/21/2026

Featured Client: Anthony of Owning the Dash

This video interview featuring Anthony Delauney, owner of Owning the Dash, is part of a client spotlight series by the creative agency CurlyRed (curlyred.com). Owing the Dash is a financial literacy program for kids that makes learning financial principles fun!

CurlyRed, led by principal designer M. Kendall Ludwig, helped Anthony with the visual design and layout of his e-commerce website. In the interview, Anthony talks about how CurlyRed leveled up his marketing efforts to reach more people in a more effective way.

You can watch here: https://youtu.be/NaTv_e-nOF8

This video interview featuring Anthony Delauney, owner of Owning the Dash, is part of a client spotlight series by the creative agency CurlyRed (curlyred.com...

05/21/2026

So excited to see our clients grow!!