Destination GAIN: Where Stanley Hainsworth’s heading for (re)invention

[Stanley Hainsworth] When Kenna Kay and I were asked to co-chair the 2010 AIGA GAIN conference, we looked at ourselves and said, “As fellow designers let’s ensure this conference will be something people will anticipate with excitement, experience irresistibly, and walk away from inspired, motivated and determined to make some changes.”

Furthermore >
09.03.10

Step inside the studio of designer Keith Scharwath & writer Alissa Walker

[Alissa Walker & Keith Scharwath] Our Los Angeles studio doesn’t have a name or its own letterhead, but it’s unique because it’s occupied by two people who live together and happen to do complementary things: Alissa is a design writer and Keith is a graphic artist and art director. So we don’t necessarily work together, it’s more like we work alongside each other. It’s nice to have someone just over your shoulder to ask how to phrase something or get feedback on color choices from someone who understands what you’re talking about. We are definitely inspired and influenced by what the other person is working on. Sometimes we update our Twitter accounts about the same things simultaneously.

Furthermore >
09.02.10

Small-but-mighty Smart & Wiley: Renewing the past with timeless design

Drawing inspiration from their collection of 19th and 20th century wood and metal type, borders, ornaments and printing presses, Smart & Wiley crafts fine contemporary print goods with a wink and a nod to the past.

Furthermore >
09.01.10

5 Valentine gifts + 1 to WIN!

[Tom Biederbeck] Here are five Valentine’s Day gifts from the Felt & Wire Shop that I wish I was getting (hint: any one of them will do). Read on and find out which one you can win — like, FREE.

First Day of Issue Love Stamp, 2002, by Michael Osborne Design

Michael Osborne’s 2002 Love stamp is a graphical puzzle you never grow tired of solving. Instantly recognizable, endlessly entertaining to the eye. And this is a real first-day issue, a keepsake … for those of you whose love is eternal. $15.

Words of Love Notecard Set, by Cummings & Good

No poet wrote so movingly of love in the English language. Shakespeare and candy hearts: the eternal sublime and the irresistibly debased. Set of 10 notecards with envelopes, $15.

Love Birds Place Card Set, by Timeless Paper

Why? Because even the gruffest guy has to give in sometime and say, “Awww. Aren’t they sweet?” Hand-painted on card stock with hand-penned embellishments. And they can be custom-printed by the artist. Now, doesn’t that touch you guys just a little? Set of 25, $25.

Hello Darling Pink Card Set, by Petite Suite Store

The racy color sets the mood for romantic correspondence — perhaps inconveniently romantic correspondence? Hand-bordered, deckle-edge cards, lined envelopes. I recommend delivering these in person, ladies and gentlemen: The hot hue and heated exchange within may alarm the postal authorities. Three cards and envelopes, $15.

WIN: You Are Here Handprinted Letterpress Poster by Roll&TumblePress

It’s clever, it’s anatomical, it’s … clevatomical? This exquisitely hand-printed (on the Vandercook) poster is from an original Roll&Tumble illustration, five-color lino hand-carved, printed in charcoal gray, pale yellow, red, blue and black on 80-lb. cover. 12 x 18 in., $25, BUT … you can WIN it FREE by posting a comment below, celebrating YOUR most romantic Valentine’s Day gift. FIVE of you lucky devil-got-your-hearts will be awarded.

And while you’re at the Shop, check out the AIGA Nebraska Valentine Collection.

02.10.10
  1. Posted by little t jane on 02.10.10 at 10:10 pm

    oh i LOVE it! totally clevatomical. thank you so much!!!

  2. Posted by Iylana on 02.10.10 at 11:53 pm

    That print is awesome. Most romantic Valentine’s gift – a pair of running shoes to begin our goal of getting in shape to travel around the world.

  3. Posted by Bernardo on 02.11.10 at 2:43 am

    My friend’s baby was born on Valentine’s day two years ago. I think that’s the most romantic Valentine’s day gift ever.

  4. Posted by Rachel on 02.11.10 at 8:37 am

    These are awesome! My best Valentine’s day gift (to date- few days away!) was a simple flower and an I love you, which is all a girl needs!

  5. Posted by Angie on 02.11.10 at 5:04 pm

    I love it!
    Most romantic gift? Well, my favorite was a handmade carving and card from my dad. Not romantic, but definitely my favorite.

  6. Posted by Elizabeth Talerman on 02.14.10 at 2:07 pm

    My dearest Valentine gift always arrives via post from my Mum – another addition to my collection of books by my favorite illustrators. This year’s edition is Ralph Steadman. Bizarre, confounding, funny and fabulous!