Here are some of my favorite web sites:

• Surface 51
  Currently the hot design studio in Champaign-Urbana. Al Fleener runs the studio and two of my former students are now working there. 
• Spinlight
  A top design studio in Champaign run by Matt Hutton and Debbie Winters. They always win awards.
  
• Kim Curtis
  Kim is my neighbor across the street. She has the coolest web site for a painter.
  
• Krannert Center
  The premiere performing arts center in central Illinois. John Havlik is the senior designer here. He also teaches graphic design at Parkland College. 
• Jason Lindsey
  An award-winning local photographer with a great web site (that he designed himself).
• Core
  In May 2005, we went to St. Louis to visit the people at Core. Our host Scotte Hardin insisted we come see their space before they moved. We're glad we did because it was the coolest office we've ever been to. Their work is amazing. 
• Red Nose Studios
  Illustrator Chris Sickels came to Champaign in 2005 to speak to my graphic design students. 
• April Greiman
  Arguably the best-known female graphic designer in history. She came to Champaign-Urbana in 2002 at the invitation of the local Ad Club.