Blunt Graffix in Oregon invited us to be a participating artist in their upcoming group show “Dead Rockstars: A Tribute to the Mortal Gods of Sound“. We decided to explore the 27 Club, a meme regarding popular musicians who all died at the age of 27. What sparked the idea was the recent death of singer Amy Winehouse, the newest member to the 27 Club. After much thought we decided upon the four most legendary members; Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain.

Coincidentally, Nathan and I are both 27. Let’s hope the Mayan’s are wrong, because we already feel a bit weird for choosing such a dark and ironically appropriate theme.

Each print is a mini 4.625″ x 5.375″ four color screen print with an edition of 200. They will be sold as a set which comes in a nifty jewel case that also displays a print of your choice upright in a desktop frame (See below).

Blunt Graffix’s show will begin on February 2 and our allotment of prints will be available in our online store most likely in mid to late February. Below are some shots of the entire set with the jewel case along with close up images of the actual prints.

JEWEL CASE HOLDER

CLOSE UP SHOTS

An inspirational design blog dedicated to the best graphic design work in the world of beer. Visit the blog at www.ohbeautifulbeer.com.

The 76 Synthesizer is a virtual analog monophonic synth application for the iPad. Inspired by the synthesizers from the 70’s, this interface brings back tactile memories of my parent’s old stereo equipment. The interface design was done by designer and developer Jonas Eriksson. Jonas has done an incredible job recreating the look and feel of heavy steel knobs, warm glowing vacuum tube amplifiers, leather wrapped casings and other details that are reminiscent of vintage analog audio hardware. To find out more about the 76 Synthesizer, visit the official site here.

Here’s a beautiful example of graphic design and illustration by artist Gianmarco Magnani from Silence Television. This series, entitled “Sixty Watts,” includes 4 giclée prints and are available for purchase in his online Store

Below is the rest of the series along with close up shots of each print. To see the rest of Magnani’s brilliant portfolio please visit his website at SilenceTv.com.

Check out this clever campaign by Blattner Brunner for LEGO. I was obsessed with LEGOS as a kid and these ads make me want to start up that addiction all over again.

Agency: Blattner Brunner, USA
Executive Creative Director: Jay Giesen/Dave Kwasnick
Art Director: Derek Julin

We’ve got some new web projects to share with you! The first one is the all new Brook Fraser website. The following four are all new artist and band MySpace pages that have been migrated to the new MySpace platform. Happy browsing.

Above is my poster design submission for “The Say Something Poster Project.” The project is a design competition and gallery show created to give designers the opportunity to use poster design to say something that will inspire, motivate and educate teenage kids.

This year 10 winning posters will be donated to “The Home for Little Wanderers,” a nationally renowned, private, non-profit child and family service agency. Their mission is to ensure the healthy emotional, mental and social development of children at risk, their families, and communities. The winning posters will be permanently installed in their facility, helping transform the environment with engaging imagery.

You can view the full gallery and vote on your favorite posters at SaySomethingPosters.com

Here’s a video about the project:

Below is a close up image and my inspiration for my submission:

I’ve come to notice that the more time and hard work I dedicate to my passion, the more fortunate I become, and I truly believe that the best things in life come from facing challenges head-on. The idea behind this design is to inspire others to give themselves this very opportunity. I wanted the design to give a positive message from whatever distance the poster is viewed. From afar the two hearts mimic the shapes of arrows to convey the idea of mutual understanding and the concept of push and pull. From a closer vantage point, the viewer will notice the perfect circle created by the intersection of the hearts and the words “love back”, applying concept to the imagery. When viewed closer still, the full message becomes legible: “Love what you do & it will love you back.”

Just came across this jewel the other day. I’m a sucker for ampersands, but when it combines concept and brilliant execution, then I am smitten. I’ve had some trouble finding the poster artist so if you are out there… well done good sir or miss. Hats off to you.

We recently created a website for our good friend Jax Austin called LocaLLowdown.com, an online travel show about what the locals in the Los Angeles area do for fun. The host, Jax himself, shows the viewer what travel guides are missing out on. Take a look at Jax’s hard work and spread the word of this fun and exciting idea.

Hey, check out these radical Star Wars prints designed by Andy Helms. You can buy them individually for your favorite film (expect the “Empire Strikes Back” posters to go quick), or you can buy the whole set (prequels not included). I think I’ll encase mine in carbonite to keep them mint. Printed on 8.5″‘-11″, Ewok-safe Epson Velvet Art Paper. You can purchase them here.