The Daily Unknown!

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I can't believe I didn't do this sooner, but I only started subscribing to The Daily Heller this past spring. The "Heller" is Steven Heller and he's a former art director for The New York Times as well as a renowned scholar and teacher of design. While the daily blog doesn't always peak my personal interest level (what does, anyway?), it's arrival in my in-box brings a little anticipation as to what he'll unearth that day. Quite often, it unveils something fantastic and new to me – which I love.

The Daily Heller is part of Print Magazine, easily one of the best magazines the planet earth has ever seen. You can read more about Steven here and subscribe to the blog yourself here.

The New Face of the Beltway's Political Design

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How the political climate has changed in 2009, my friends! For example, I (and, okay, thousands of others too) received the following email the other day from BarackObama.com:

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The Democratic National Committee and Organizing for America have several creative and technical positions open in our New Media department -- and we'd like to invite you to apply.

We have openings for a creative director, videographer, graphic designer, and front-end web developer/information architect. Learn more about the job openings and apply here, or pass this along to others you know who might be interested.

We offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and an opportunity to make a real difference. We are looking for folks who are ready to work hard, able to work under deadline pressure and manage multiple projects, and passionate about engaging millions of Americans to advance President Obama's agenda and change the country.
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You'll have to be willing to relocate to Washington D.C., of course, but if you're up for it – what are you waiting for?!?! Get that application over to Barack, ASAP! I'll be sure to put in a good word for you with the big guy…

PCA&D Admissions Poster '09-'10

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Every year, Natalie & the Admissions department at PCA&D head out with materials to give to teachers, students and parents in hopes of their attending the college. Previously they have run with a portrait theme but wanted to expand on both their message and what visuals backed it up. It's worth noting that all the artwork utilized within the design I created is that of students at the school and they represent all four major programs: graphic design, illustration, fine art and photography.

This poster design set the tone for the department's viewbook; a 24-page publication used to hand out to prospective students everywhere Admissions goes. Look for the viewbook itself here within the next week or so. Until then…

Mosaic Exhibition By Mail

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As part of the work I did to create the Mosaic logo, the first exhibit under the umbrella of this events program is set for the fall of 2009 – and thus needs a mailing piece to promote it. Featuring Rudy Gutierrez & Mary Borgman, the mailer is a portrait-designed, 4-panel mailer – not a standard 2-sided postcard. Here's an animated gif that walks you through the colorful and textural design.

A Face Of Lancaster

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In a partnership between Moxie House, Fig Magazine and PCA&D, a series of portraits of Lancastrians were to be created. The assignment: "A face of Lancaster. An original interpretation of a public, or private, personality in the City of Lancaster. Fig wants to portray an insider’s look and unique visual perspective on what and who makes Lancaster special."

MY SUBJECT: C. Emlen Urban (1863-1939) is commonly referred to as "Lancaster's Architect" and his work personifies the history and culture of Lancaster City; from Watt & Shand, Southern Market, Lancaster Trust, Steven's School for Girls and the the Greist Building to my favorite home in Lancaster; the P.T. Watt residence at the corner Marrietta & N. President Avenues.

Note: The P.T. Watt home is for sale, go here to view this amazing home.

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My friend Jason tipped me off to this fantastic video. What else is there to say but it's short, brilliant and a lot of fun to watch as classic album art meets an 80s product design icon.

Misery Obscura: The Book

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For nearly two and a half years, I ferociously scanned, organized and designed a book project with my long-time friend, Eerie Von. The book thoroughly documents his work as both a photographer and musician beginning in Lodi High School alongside The Misfits all the way to the largest stadiums in the world with Danzig.

Misery Obscura isn't simply a photography book, it's a scrapbook of rare, never-before-seen memorabilia and brilliant story telling from the man himself. Without a doubt, it's safe to say that this is the Fuck You Heroes book for Lodi, NJ. Look for it in stores on October 14th on Dark Horse Books. More images and information on this project in due time. Until then, go here for full information on the book and here to read the press release.

Hot Off The (Letter) Press!

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I recently began my "apprenticeship" with the .918 Club located in the Heritage Center here in Lancaster. This fully-functional letterpress shop features several presses ranging from the 18th Century through the mid-1900's. The club itself meets "monthly to provide a gathering place for people with an interest in letterpress printing, to schedule volunteers to operate the Print Shop, and to provide a place for anyone interested in learning about letterpress printing or developing the skills to become a volunteer in the Museum Print Shop."

I've always loved letterpress type and am interested in not only volunteering in the shop, but to learn the trade as well. I can't wait to see something I've created printed in letterpress. In time, my friends. In time.

The Mustachio Bashio: Year 04

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The Mustachio Bashio is a party conceived in large part by my fantastical friend, Jason Upright. Think Boogie Nights instead of Saturday Night Fever, if you will. The MB, now in its fourth year of debauchery and outlandishness, is held deep in the heart of South Pasadena, CA. And while we attended MB1 & MB2 when still living in LA (with yours truly winning "Best Speedo" in the inaugural event, mind you), we'll be missing it yet again this year.

However, despite my absence, Jason asked me to design the poster for this year's event – which I believe turned out quite nicely and had a great time drafting up.

¿Quién es más macho? ¿Señor Lamas o Montalban?

House Industries Opening Reception

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While there's people or collectives out there that inspire me, only a few humble me with their creativity and talent. One of those collectives is House Industries, (not so) arguably the modern era's greatest typographical foundry.

Let's remember that no design communication is without the use of type conveying its message to the masses. The better type, the better the design... and the better everyone involved looks. It's that simple, and yet it's that ridiculously hard.

House's touring Letters & Ligatures show has made it back to the east coast and Philadelphia at the 222 Gallery. Lucky for me, the opening reception was Friday, June 5th, and I was coming into the city as it was already. It offered me the opportunity to hang (albeit briefly) with Jeremy, Andy & Brian once again. Here's a link to their blog to see what they're up to...