Fly in under the radar for a sneak peek at the latest goings-on here at Angel Bomb and inside my crowded cranium. You might find photos of a killer project about to hit the press, a rant about the state of design in the digital age, the inside scoop on an upcoming art opening, a recipe for succulent beef tenderloin in port-rosemary sauce, or something completely different.
The Blog is updated on a predictably unpredictable basis, so check back often to see what’s bubbling up to the surface.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Promotional Folder
Recently, Stephanie Hynes, a great young fashion photographer, came to me with a desire to recreate the mood of vintage photo folders to use as promotional pieces. I followed the general shape and style of vintage folders but sized them up so she could fit 4×6 images in them. Her photography has a timeless elegance to it so I tried to maintain that with the design of the piece.
Using a large texture plate, I printed a light background color that would age the piece and give is some depth, helping it look worn from years of use. Then I designed and printed a great cameo on the front flap along with Stephanie’s contact information on the back. All this then got die cut and scored. Not only can you get beautiful pristine results with letterpress, but with using layers of ink you can also create a worn or aged look as well. The results are really only limited by your imagination.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Letterpress Union Local 271
At long last Angel Bomb has a new t-shirt design! Proudly show your commitment to unite against the Man keeping you down with poor wages and no beer-Fridays. Get your very own 100% cotton navy t-shirt and join the Letterpress Union today. Available in the store.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Just in time for the weekend!
Ahhhh, it’s Saturday; time to crack open a cold one and take a long drink of hoppy goodness. But where o where shall I set it? How about right here on these nappy letterpress coasters designed by those creative kids at Thorn Creative! Printed on some hefty 35pt blotter paper, these die cut beauties will take all the abuse a weekend of drinking can dish out.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Adopt A Maple
As one who recently adopted a blind puppy, I can proudly say that adoption is a good thing except when the adoptee pees on the floor. Which is why I take great pride in presenting these new certificates for Anderson Maple Syrup out of Cumberland Wisconsin. The trees stay in Wisconsin and won’t give you any headaches. Anderson wanted something woodsy that would show the recipient not only where the tree they adopted was, but also contained facts about the tree and the sugarbush in which it resides. We went with a subtle woodgrain background which is a great effect achieved with a hefty impression and just a little ink. You can see the nice detail in one of the images below. And check out the photopolymer plate used to print the second color. These are a pretty cool advancement in printing plates: they are compact, easily stored, and recyclable. Anderson even got some advance press in the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel’s food featurette a week ago. It’s always nice to see my designs online and hanging in people’s houses so get out there and adopt a maple tree; you’ll get one of these dandy certificates along with your syrup.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thank you thank you thank you.
It’s that time of year again. The holidays have past and a new year is well underway. Time to send out a thank you to all the clients who helped make Angel Bomb a success and remind potential clients that there’s more than one letterpress joint in this town. If you’ve been a proud supporter, watch your mailbox for these nifty cards. Official Business is a new line launched by Angel Bomb and these cards give you a taste of what’s to come. We’re all busy and don’t have time to sit and write soliloquies to friends, loved ones, clients. Use these handy cards to share your thoughts in less time than it takes to send an email with a lot more personality.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CKY business cards
Charles Youel of Artcrank fame asked me to print his new business cards along with some sweet note cards. His identity and cards were designed by Aaron Pollock out in NYC. Clean. Simple. Gorgeous. This set of four different cards printed on a luxurious 100% cotton bright white sheet really feel good when you hold one. With a nice impression, you really notice the difference letterpress makes when you hold one. It just goes to show you that sometimes less is more; a simple design with exceptional execution can be far more effective than lots of silly tricks. It’s why a filet mignon doesn’t come covered in a heavy sauce or why an Aston Martin doesn’t have flames painted on the side.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Order. Order. Order in the court.
Not all letterpress projects need to be die-cut or crazily elaborate. Sure, those are fun, but sometimes a classic design treated to a heavy impression in fine paper makes such a statement of quality and refinement that you don’t need all that hooplah. Here’s a good example: Tressler Family Law. P&H handled a redesign of their client’s identity and brought the printing to Angel Bomb. I think if a lawyer hands you a business card and it’s been letterpress printed, you can probably trust them.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
New Year Good Fortune
Every year, the fantastic jeweler Karin Jacobson sends out cards to her clients and friends wishing them New Year Good Fortune. She used to send out actual charms that she’d make, but since she’s gotten so popular and making charms for that many people gets expensive, she’s had to settle for just sending cards. Or did she? This year’s holiday treat is a letterpress printed diamond you can pop out, put together and hang somewhere. That’s right, there’s no settling when you use Angel Bomb. Here I designed a paper construction that was a cinch to put together and looks good both when it’s put together and when it’s still in the card. Biodegradable and recyclable jewelry….sweeet!
