Casual Astronaut

09/03/2026

A lot can happen in 12 years. This month, we’re celebrating the big ideas, meaningful work and incredible people who have made Casual Astronaut what it is today.

We’re incredibly grateful to the clients who have trusted us with their missions and the talented people on our team who bring creativity and care to every project.

Over the years, we’ve created brands, stories, websites, digital experiences and marketing that move people. We’ve learned a lot, made a lot and had a lot of fun along the way. And we’re still excited about what’s next.

06/16/2026

We could write something here about “client-first culture.” The truth is simpler: Paul Peterson, C/A’s Chief Client Officer, listens first, then comes back with a plan — and somehow makes it look easy. Clients notice. So does our team.

04/14/2026

Some of our best work starts here — C/A Chief Digital Officer Tina Kelly and Client Partnerships Director Kaci Blatchford.

04/23/2025

Long live the em dash! Some say it’s an AI red flag. We say it’s a punctuation with personality. Recently the em dash — a long horizontal line that breaks up thoughts and adds emphasis — has been accused of being an AI give away thanks to bots that overused it early drafts. The truth? The em dash ads rhythm and style — and no algorithm can take that away. Our editors weigh in with their odes to the most expressive dash in the game.

12/12/2023

What's next in the new year? The field of digital marketing is continually evolving. Are you staying up to date? From shortform video content to zero-party data to social media as search engines, here are 24 of the biggest marketing trends we expect to see more of in 2024.

We surveyed our team members who are at the forefront of marketing trends and client needs to learn what they think will be top of mind. Learn what they said.

12/05/2023

We created our philanthropic program, C/A Charities, to help enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. We especially focus on making a difference for children and underserved populations. Sometimes, we plan optional staff outings to volunteer in person but, all year round, we celebrate our team members' birthdays with a contribution to the nonprofit of their choice. Here are a few organizations that were selected this year:

[1] “My family benefits from one of 99 Balloons’ core programs called "rEcess," which provides a night of respite for parents while spoiling our kiddos with disabilities and bringing their siblings together to create relationships.” — Katie Bridges, Managing Editor

[2] “Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Code:Red Summer Heat Relief project is working to deliver water and heat relief packages to our most vulnerable population. The Phoenix heat is dangerous, and nobody knows that better than those experiencing homelessness.” — Jordan Thomas, Digital Marketing Strategist

[3] "A group of us volunteered at HomeBase Shelter for Homeless Youth in Phoenix, which gives teens and young adults who have aged out of foster care a stable environment to get on their feet." — Kyle Crafton, Chief Executive Officer

[4] "Our New York City team spent a summer day delivering meals to home-bound seniors through a volunteer program with New York Cares, which provides so many essential services to New Yorkers throughout the city." — Leigh Flayton, Senior Editor

[5] “I chose the Children's Heart Foundation for my charity. My good friend's daughter was born with a rare heart defect and has been through more surgeries than anyone should. But she's a little warrior and she's doing great!” — Kaci Blatchford, Client Partnerships Director

[6] “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona matches adult volunteers and kids ages 6 to 18, many of whom live below the poverty line or in single-parent homes and are in need of positive role models in their lives. My husband is a Big and has been with his Little for about three years. We’ve seen first-hand how the BBBSAZ model creates a lasting positive effect on the lives of kids.” —Marcella Vitulli, Digital Project Manager

[7] “While many people think of small dogs as cute puppies or perfectly cuddly from day one, a lot of toy breeds end up in shelters because of age, health conditions or behavioral issues. I can't (or shouldn't) adopt more tiny dogs, so I'm so grateful that C/A donated to Arizona Small Dog Rescue in my honor!” — Emily Rubio, Editor

[8] “While acceptance has come a long way, it's still an unfortunate fact that many LGBTQ young adults lose support from their families at a time in life when their dreams should just be starting. Half of the young adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ. I feel this issue keenly in the South, and Lucie's Place is one of the few resources of its kind in Central Arkansas.” — Amy Widner, Editor

11/28/2023

Redesigning your website is a hefty undertaking. Before you begin, heed this advice from four organizations that have recently gone through the process. https://casualastronaut.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-my-website-redesign

11/21/2023

It's been a big year at C/A, with new clients, new projects and new staff! This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful to work with so many talented people, including our newest team members who impress us every day (clockwise):

[1] Ajsi Petrela, Digital Marketing Specialist
[2] Kimchean Koy, Art Director
[3] Max Ellinger, Web Development Manager
[4] Emily Rubio, Editor

11/14/2023

Really good digital annual reports do more than just show and tell — they engage readers through compelling stories, captivating design and forward-thinking interactivity, all while showcasing an organization's culture and embodying its vision. Is your annual report telling your whole story?

Need innovative annual report ideas? Get inspired with these creative annual report examples, including key takeaways from the best digital annual reports.