Double digits in 2010

This posting missed the first of the year by quite a long shot. The fact that 2010 is a brand new decade in addition to a new year should mean that the window of time you normally get for things like posting your holiday greeting card on your blog widens a bit. Thus, here it is, better late than never… the Beans n' Rice holiday card 2009.

The fact that this card was ever printed is something I'm pretty dang proud of. The project had to compete with not only the normal frenzy that accompanies November and December, but also the pangs of moving into a brand new house midwinter as well.

It's nothing fancy, but it is the first print project to come out of the hastily assembled mini-print shop that occupies one forth the new garage. Hopefully, it will be the first of many more projects to come.

Other fun projects that have been occupying our time as of late include a new show poster for the always amazing Saint Siren. We've had a lot of fun with this design and with a slight shift in the color and imagery, it's proven to be the poster that keeps on giving. This poster will most likely become the blue print for the band's web site, which is coming up next on the horizon.

Our nifty new portfolio

For about a year and a half now, I've been planning on making a portfolio out of a couple of type cases that I was given from my friends Stern & Faye, Letterpress Printers. I started work on cleaning out the cases last year, and spent a good several hours carefully scrubbing out a film of old lead and other various bits of "shop" that settled in the cases over their life span.








I was recently re-inspired to continue the laborious task of cleaning, finishing and constructing a portfolio from the two cases and, to toot my own horn, I am just thrilled with the results. A big thank you to Chris and Jules for giving me the tools necessary to finally, FINALLY acquire a portfolio.

International law practice gets a web presence

The web site for Pacific Juris, an international law practice based in Seattle, had to convey the client's expertise in cross-border law and business solutions. Robert Richardson is an American and Canadian citizen and the web site had to reflect the same duality - balancing location with industry. We paired a number of striking images to help illustrate Robert's international focus and media expertise. The aesthetic reflected the client's personal style - pairing professionalism with elegance.

Get your harvest on

It's hot in Seattle this summer, and I can't help but think of the way my garden might have looked had I been more prompt in its watering. The excessively sunny days hopefully mean that the more diligent farmers and urban gardeners will reap a bountiful harvest. In tribute to their efforts, and in part to make up for my lack of effort, I wanted to commemorate the culmination of a season long growing cycle for these industrious food growers.

Featured Project

Client: Saint Siren
What they do: Write music
Location: Seattle

Letterpress and lino-cuts seemed the best solution to match the style of this Seattle band's musical sensibilities. Old style, yet contemporary, with an inverted duplication of the central character; a raven on a 10 gallon hat. These were considerations that directed the evolution of this piece.

The images first and foremost had to complete a cd jewel case. They also had to work as stand alone images that could be used for other promotional material.

Credits for this project include Jules Faye at Stern and Faye, Letterpress Printers for the gracious use of her Vandercook proofing press.