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.
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.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Blank Slate
I know I haven’t been blogging much lately and here’s why: Angel Bomb is moving! That’s right, all of two floors and down the hall, but when you have tons of equipment to move, you gotta plan for it. And besides, I’ve been busy sanding, painting, and refurbishing the hardwood floors with the help of some really good mates. It’s pretty exciting to start anew with a fresh space. I’m not sure how the decor for Angel Bomb HQ will suss out; I was hoping Shepard Fairey would do a large mural for me but now he can’t because of a nephew’s Bar Mitzvah or somethin’. Rats.
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!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Holiday Cards
Ahhhh, ‘tis the time of year when clients ask for something a little special to send to their clients. Sean Tubridy at Blue Over Blue designed these fine cards for the folks at Brain Traffic just down the street. It’s a nice typographic treatment of the traditional holiday sentiment. The card is printed on Crane Lettra, which, as you can see in the closeup, has enough tooth to it to give a great velvety feel. This stock is popular with cards and wedding invitations.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Simple Good and Tasty
If you ask anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you I like food. Scratch that, I love food! Enough so that I left my old job to attend chef school in London for a year where I blogged about my experience under the pseudonym London Chef. And if I hadn’t broken my collarbone (again!) I’d have been staging at The Fat Duck after I graduated. So it came as a great opportunity to print the new local food lover cards for Simple Good and Tasty. Not only were they beautifully designed by Stuart Flake, but they’re also for a great cause: the promotion of businesses that promote local, sustainable and organic food. Hot damn! Get out there, support your local responsible eateries and buy a local food lovers card, they’d make great gifts for your favorite foodies!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Some Tasty Cards
I gotta say, “I love die cutting.” You’re punching shapes into paper and it can give a business card or invite that much more presence. Take for example these lovely cards designed by Very, Inc. for Salty Tart. The illustrated border is fantastically detailed and the whole piece reminiscent of a grand Parisian bakery. And it’s located right here in Minneapolis’ own Midtown Global Market. I can’t wait to get down there, see these cards displayed, and buy myself a tasty tart!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Rollergirl Revolution
For the October 17th Minnesota RollerGirls bout, Angel Bomb designed and screenprinted this dandy RollerGirls Revolution poster. I guess I must be in a bit of a revolutionary phase here in the studio since the poster for Los Vesparados in June was also styled after Soviet propaganda. As an extra bonus, there were two official soviet stamps blind debossed into the poster. This was done by holding the poster by hand and inserting it into the letterpress as it cycled through without ink on the rollers. It’s a neat effect that ends up working somewhat like a watermark; it’s visible, but kind of a secret.
