- ARCHIVE / Ephemera
- Typografika / CRACK Magazine
Feature and interview in this UK publication. Above: CRACK Magazine, Issue 18. A thousand thanks to Jake Applebee for this feature of my work and interview. The three spreads begin on page 20, hope you enjoy. This was preceded by a centerfold poster for Issue 15, please see more on Typografika here.
- ArtEZ Arnhem / The Typographic Voice
News from Arnhem. Above: Via Dana Dijkgraaf, a student at ArtEZ Arnhem, announcing their upcoming show. More information here at the Typographic Voice. Many thanks for sending this information and congratulations in advance.
- K. Silem Mohammad / Abraham Lincoln
A poet’s vision. Above: Abraham Lincoln No. 5, cover by poet K. Silem Mohammad, publisher of Abraham Lincoln Magazine. Highly regarded as a provocative poetry journal, Mohammad’s covers are a visual narrative of unabashed joy, and pop-cultural perversion. Invariably poignant and humorous, always with cats and rainbows. Above: Abraham Lincoln No. 3, cover by K. [...]
- Typografika / Beatrix
A wee something for our darling daughter. Above: Erik Brandt, 2011 (850px x 1000px). A little Typografika for our darling daughter on the occasion of her first birthday. Geotypografika readers may remember that she was born, rather unexpectedly, almost one year ago right here at home in our beloved Powderhorn. We shall raise the flag [...]
- Typografika / Borges Bookmark
A bookmark commissioned by Diseñadores Gráficos Bolivia. Above: Erik Brandt, 2011 (5,4cm x 9,8cm, image above is cropped). A bookmark commissioned by Diseñadores Gráficos Bolivia (La Paz), for their recent bookfair. See more images in their Facebook album. It was a delightful opportunity to work with one of my favorite author’s short stories, ‘The Fauna [...]
- Andreas Kuhn / Urban Patterns
A growing study of color and texture. Above: Andreas Kuhn, Urban Patterns #110. What began as a friend’s casual study of color and texture has now been formalized on Urban Patterns Tumblr, Facebook, and Flickr. Andreas himself describes this collection as ‘lo-fi’ photography, but this is a humble obfuscation of the careful eye that is [...]
- Typografika / Detailien: Remnants
Small corrections yield new conglomerate. Above: Erik Brandt, 2011 (detail, original is roughly 4″ x 4″). Here is the promised assembly of narrow strips saved from the cropping process for my recent show, Typografika/Detailien. Dedicated to Colin Trechter of People Collective, I had to use double-stick tape because I couldn’t find my duo-tac. I also [...]
- Typografika / Detailien: Process and installation.
Shoebox Gallery, May 20 through July 6, 2011. Above: My recent solo show, Typografika / Detailien, officially opened on May 20, 2011 in the Shoebox Gallery here in Minneapolis, MN. I am grateful to the gallery curator, Sean Smuda, for his kind invitation. The space itself is located on the corner of Chicago and Lake, [...]
- Typografika in Designnet / NewWebPick
My wee studio featured in Korea and China. Above: Spread from Designnet Magazine (May, 2011). It’s humbling and exciting to have my work featured in two publications, Designnet in Korea and NewWebPick (No.33) in China. I am grateful to the editors for their invitation and kindness. The Designnet feature covered efforts to help Japan and [...]
- Elisabeth Workman / Dusie
A new chapbook release coming soon. Above: Erik, Brandt, 2011 (5.5″x11″). New Typografika for Elisabeth’s new chapbook, Maybe Malibu, Maybe Beowulf. Part of the DUSIE Kollektiv’s latest chapbook initiative. Following close on the heels of Megaprarieland (earlier post here), Maybe Malibu, Maybe Beowulf contains eighteen new poems. Don’t be fooled by this low quality image, [...]
- Six Word Story Every Day
A new post up today. Above: Elisabeth Workman and Erik Brandt, 2011. A six word message for by SWSED. This follows up on “Despot by Despot, bye Despot bye.” Special thanks again Anne Ulku of Six Word Story Every Day for letting us contribute.
- Solutions Twin Cities Volume Four / Typografika
March 18, 2011 in the Capri Theater. Above: Erik Brandt, 2011 (11×17 bulletin, cropped). New work for Solutions Twin Cities Volume Four, a Works Progress event featuring ‘future-positive’ lectures and presentations here in Minneapolis on Friday, March 18th, 7-10 PM at the Capri Theater. I am very grateful to Works Progress founders Troy Gallas and [...]
- GRD_3020_SP11 / e7na shabab el facebook
We are the people of Facebook. Above: Mathias, Letraset on plastic. Genial! My intermediate typonauten recently undertook the same challenge undertaken by the GRD_2010 grupetto, and have provided equally compelling sketches and solutions. Once again we focused on solving this problem by hand, then allowing the computer to aid the creation of multiple solutions. All [...]
- Filipe Matos / G3
Provocative experimental website. Above: Filipe Matos, G3, Desktop One (screenshot). A digital circus, and intriguing. Spend some time with Filipe’s intriguing introduction. Not simply a portfolio site, it also expresses his sense of humor and creates many open, contemporary questions. Choose your favorite desktop and play along, just for fun. You can also find Filipe [...]
- TEST GIF
Try, try again… Above: An ‘animated gif paranoia about non-stop design workers’ by Johnny Kelly and Matt Cooper. Full page mode here. All 56 GIFs here. Sacré bleu.
- O.K. Periodicals / Open Call
Submissions welcome through February 13, 2011. Above: Splash page (cropped) from the O.K. Blog, maintained by editors and publishers of the acclaimed O.K. Periodicals. There is still time to submit materials for Issue No. 6, with the stimulating theme, Boring. Don’t be fooled, it won’t be. See the official call for entries, get the specs [...]
- Carole Guevin / Away No. 1
Pop-art Power from the Netdiver editor. Above: Carole Guevin, Away #1 (18×24, cropped). Netdiver Editor Guevin has released a free poster download. She writes: “I believe in the power of pop-art. In my view, it has to do w/ providing affordable and inspiring eye candy for everyone to enjoy. As creative people, we surround ourselves [...]
- Jason Smith / 2011
Lovely letterpress greetings for the new year. Above: Jason Smith, Five Finger Art, 2011 greeting card. Just received this in the mail and had to share immediately. A thousand thanks for this exquisite letterpress conglomerate, Jason. ¡Felicidades!
- Caspar / Bon Année 2011
Typographic greetings from the City of Light. Above: François Caspar, 2011. Welcome greetings from François, who titles this latest version, 2011 Anné Érotique? This version follows his greetings from the past five years, where each form winds itself into the next, all simple and delightful. Many thanks to François for sharing these here, bon année [...]
- Mehdi Saeedi / Best Wishes
The year of the rabbit. Above: Mehdi Saeedi sent out his holiday greeting and kindly permitted this posting. A thousand thanks, Mehdi, and all the best to you in the new year.
- GRD_3020_F10 Para Los 33
Cards, bulletins, and posters for Chile. Above: Noelle, one of many variations of her stunning digital cards (6.5″x10″). El Milagro de Los 33 A long overdue update on a recent workshop with this semester’s GRD_3020 grupetto. We were delighted to welcome Luis Fitch in our class for two crititques based around our effort to create [...]
- Jean-Benoît Lévy / Das Labyrinth
New addition nominated for a poster of the month competition. Above: Poster by Jean-Benoît Lévy, photography by Justin Borsuk. JBL sends word that his latest edition for the Basel, Switzerland bookstore, Das Labyrinth, is part of a poster of the month competition. Sponsored by APG Affichage, the site offers online voting and an interesting cross-section [...]
- Typography for Lawyers
Matthew Butterick releases his typographic manual for legal matters. Above: Cropped version of the cover for Typography for Lawyers, also available via Amazon as of next week. Remember this post from Sept. 2008 when I happened across the eponymous website? It was a delight to receive an email yesterday from Butterick announcing his new release. [...]
- Harald Geisler / Typo Calendar
2011 version now on Kickstarter. Above: Harald Geisler, 2010 Calendar. How apropos, the work of a Frankfurt, Germany based typographer following some recent experiments here with calendars. If this staggering image piques your interest, a 2011 version is planned and available here via a Kickstarter campaign. For more info, see this Q&A with the designer [...]
- John Malinoski / Our Man in Montreal.
Virginia Communist travels North and finds gold. Above: Posters on the streets of Montreal, Canada. Fall , 2010. Frequent contributor John Malinoski has sent in some intriguing photos from his recent visit. C’est magnifique! Much inspiration here, let’s hope for more soon! Above: John Malinoski, 2010. Montreal, Canada. Above: John Malinoski, 2010. Montreal, Canada. Above: [...]
- When typographers dream?
Best found object ever. Above: New Type II problem precedent, stay tuned.
- Geotypografika Flickr
Updates to EB_iPhone Random on Flickr. Above: Erik Brandt, 2010. Green pants, red chair, black cat. Just uploaded some new photos to the iPhone Random set which I hope you might enjoy. Above: Erik Brandt, 2010. More on Geotypografika Flickr. Above: Erik Brandt, 2010. Fascinating accident. Above: Erik Brandt, 2010. Powderhorn alleys, full of wonder. [...]
- TNT Post / Iconen
Web-resource for Dutch postal stamps and related design. Above: Christian Borstslap, 2009. Via the Iconen van de post site, a lovely resource recommended by Tida Tep. Beyond the beautiful stamp designs, the site also includes examples of innovative post boxes and vehicles. Dank u vel, Tida!
- Eyeteeth
A journal of incisive ideas. Above: John Morse, via Paul Schmelzer’s excellent Eyeteeth blog, taking on the overground economy. A highly recommend resource just added to the links page, Schmelzer’s perspective is exhaustive and inspiring. The above ‘haiku bandit’ project, Schmelzer’s description, reminded me of the accidental overprint found here on the streets of Powderhorn [...]
- OKNOVOKGHT
¿Por que no? Above: Via the OKNOVOKGHT Flickr page, some fresh and vibrant postings from a delightfully enigmatic source in Melbourne, Australia. Highly recommended, follow OKNOVOKGHT via Twitter or Facebook. Above: “Bill needs all the help he can get right now,” OKNOVOKGHT’s response to a query requesting permission to make this post. Lovely variation on [...]
- kindra_is_here
New Flickr collection of graphic and typographic wonder. Above: Via my colleague Kindra Murphy’s new Flickr account, kindra_is_here, some Czech matchbox sets that will inspire to be sure. Look for more additions from her vast collection of graphic ephemera soon.
- Booty
That’s what it is. Above: Boom, boom, boom. Purchased from Minotaurus Boekwinkel. I photographed some of the posters for her retrospective and you can see them on Geotypografika Flickr. It’s impossible to leave Amsterdam without fearing the baggage weight check when you arrive at Schipol. Any self-respecting type and design geek will invariably collect all [...]
- Berlin / Kreuzberg
New images added to Geotypografika Flickr. Above: Somewhere in Kreuzberg, Berlin. See the full set of graphic and typographic images on Geotypografika Berlin, where I have also updated the Geotypografika Amsterdam 2010 set with new images from the second leg of my recent trip. Above: Turkish words gracing a building in Kreuzberg, one of my [...]
- Amsterdam
New images for the Geotypografika collection. Above: New images from the streets of Amsterdam, where I am fortunate enough to be spending a few days. A new Geotypografika Flickr set has just been uploaded, you can find images from 2005-07 here. The images in both sets are mostly graphic and typographic in nature, though there [...]
- The most amazing image ever?
I promise. Above: BOOTIE RIO NO COQUETEL DE ABERTURA DO FESTIVAL PAREDE. A poster festival in Rio de Janeiro, more info is also available via their website.
- OBX 2010
A few days at the beach. Above: Sunset with dolphins. Roanoke Sound, NC. Geotypografika OBX is now uploaded to Flickr, hope you enjoy a few images from this recent trip. More images here, Geotypografika OBX.
- MPLS / Seen at Los Ocampo.
Sweet local flyer found during awesome burrito run. Above: Always something amazing to take out at Los Ocampo.
- Sweet internets.
Futurama from 1969… Above: The Internet in 1969, was kicking around The Huffington Post yesterday, and it’s too good not to feature again and again. Viel spass dabei!
- Reggie Watts
F_ck Sh_t Stack. Above: Must be seen to be believed. Dance, muthafu_kas!
- Bea Arthur Mountains Pizza
Stunning collage tumblr, excellent reality relief. Above: From the excellent Bea Arthur Mountains Pizza, collage.
- Dan Sinclair / Elliott Earls
MCAD student initiates Skype interview series. Above: 18×24 poster by MCAD student Dan Sinclair, March, 2010. In exciting news, Dan is organizing Skype interview sessions and started things off last Friday with Elliott Earls. His hope is to extend the exposure our community has with active designers and artists, and, in concert with the MCAD [...]
- Papergirl No. 5
Random art distribution project in Berlin. Above: Papergirl No. 4 poster by Florian Lamm und Lisa von Billerbeck. In a hot tip from our friend Verena Gerlach, the very cool Papergirl project announces it’s May 19, 2010 deadline for new submissions. Check out the sweet video of Papergirl No. 4 in action. In more good [...]
- Erik Brandt / RVA Exhibition
Shameless self-promotion, Act 16. Above: Letterpress print I made in 1998, the first posters to promote the original Bowe House Print Collective, yo. I am grateful to announce that Virginia Commonwealth University will be hosting an exhibition of my work on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 6PM (1509 West Main St., Richmond, VA). Hope to [...]
- Don Cherry / The man.
Oh, Canada. Above: The incomparable Don Cherry. Caught pre-game commentary before the epic Canada vs. USA game. Winter Olympics, 2010. “Miller’s gotta be sensational… and he better be sensational, because he’s gonna see more rubber, than a dead skunk, on a New York thruway. Heh, Canada wins, 5-3.” Well, it wasn’t 5-3, Don, but it [...]
- Ted Guerrero
A fine tribute to a great man. Above: MCAD student Ted Guerrero, final poster for Black History Month at MCAD, organized by fellow students Jenny Tondera and Amalia Nicholson.
- Osloposters (dot) net
Amazing poster archive from Norway. Above: On a John Malinoski tip, here is an excellent poster resource, Osloposters. Showcasing a vibrant poster scene, the site is run by Stig Anderson, whose own website (see splash page below), offers it’s own fascination. Stig explains that he was inspired by Jarr Geerligs set, often referenced here. He [...]
- Seen at MCAD
Two recent posters/bulletins in the hallways. Above: MCAD student Ted Guerrero, “on the wall.” Above: MCAD student Peter Steineck, “off the charts.”
- GGGrafik
Götz Gramlich rules OK. Above: Götz Gramlich, Glass Candy poster, 2010. I have to apologize right from the start, this post is long overdue. Aside from being an incredibly talented designer, Götz is also extremely generous and shared some of his silk-screened posters with me some time ago (see further below). Surely you might agree, [...]
- 19th Century French Board Games
Chromolitho prints from Phil’s collection. Above: A 19th Century French board game from our friend Phil’s amazing collection (rem his Hendrix story?). These will become a part of his lectures on Animation History, as examples of 19th century visual pop culture. Magnifique, Phil!
- BICeBé 2009 People
New Flickr set from the recent poster biennial in La Paz. Above: Servus, Freunde! Julián Naranjo (Chile), Marina Córdova Alvéstegui (Bolivia), and Andrew Lewis (Canada) above Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. Many more images are now available, I re-organized the Flickr sets and they are now divided into two sets, Geotypografika La Paz, and BICeBé 2009 People. [...]
- Geotypografika La Paz
Graphic and typographic images from La Paz, Bolivia. Above: Just one of several new graphic and typographic photographs from the street of La Paz, Bolivia. Please see the Geotypografika Flickr page for more and check back often, I will be uploading new photos as time (and internet access) allows. Above: From the hotel window, the [...]
- Perso-Arabic Snow
Some gems from early experiments with Persian type. Above: MCAD student Amy’s stunning first sketch, developed by hand. Be on the lookout for a new upload to Geotypografika Flickr with process shots from this exciting new project from two type classes I am really enjoying this semester. Minneapolis had snow last Monday and we were [...]
- Jean-Benoît Lévy / Innerstate
New songs about the road. Above: Jean-Benoît Lévy, Innerstate. Image via Todd Biederbeck’s excellent Dynamic Graphics article, “Found Fonts.” Jean-Benoît’s latest is available in a wide variety of formats via cafepress. Intriguing and engaging, it’s exciting to see this simple shift from the Swiss poster master’s more recognizable form.
- Jenny Tondera / Bratislava
Eye candy. Jenny Tondera writes: The street art that I came across in Bratislava is so textural, I love it. Take that unsuspecting dumpster, for example—beautiful! Cherry Garcia, Jenny! For more on her travels, see Jenny’s eponymous blog.
- Erik T. Johnson / Kirby Machine
New poster work and more. Above: Erik T. Johnson, Kirby Machine poster front and back. Sugoi, ne?! This latest project is available now through Erik’s own new website, where you can also find an extensive display of projects past and present. Viel Genuss! Above: Erik T. Johnson, latest illustration for the New York Times Book [...]
- MPLS Flyer
From the recent May Day Parade. Above: Flyer from Sunday’s parade and celebration of Spring. More information available here, at the Minnesota Historical Society, who also have a reference for the 1934 Truckers’ Strike available.
- MPLS / Nicollet Ave.
Stolen signs rule OK. Above: A local Banksy rip, these signs did not survive long. UPDATE: Two relevant links via Johnny Mac, uno y dos.
- Gold Taxi
MPLS now serving. Above: Hot off the flatbed, more work from the overground economy? Flyer found in a local restaurant.
- 14:00 MPLS Time, 61ºF.
Mongo feel human. Above: 26th and 3rd Ave., Whittier neighborhood. Approximately 08:45 AM. Minneapolis, MN. March 16, 2009. Above: 25th and Stevens, Whittier neighborhood. Approximately 11:30 AM. Minneapolis, MN. March 16, 2009. Perfect timing for a new tag, just as we notice the odd sensation of warmth upon our cheeks.
- Bolivian Rug
Update aus dem Hause Brandt. Above: Detail of a Bolivian rug from Mutti, how apropos. Más información en breve.
- Natural Salvage
Rescued materials find new form. Above: Via Natural Salvage, a timely and inspired card collection by MPLS artist, Jamie Angell. Her husband, Craig, from Graphic Decline, recently designed some identity materials for the project (see below). From the Natural Salvage mission statement: “Discarded print media is transformed into note card designs and envelopes. Single-sided note [...]
- Complexity
Owen Jones Above: Owen Jones, via the spectacular but does it float collection. Thanks to Dylan for sharing this and mabrouk to Atley of but does it float and FFFFound, amazing collections and somehow perfectly apropos. In the same breath, make sure to check in with kindra is here, some stunning recent additions.
- Modernizing Propaganda
はがき Above: Via Dylan and found via butdoesitfloat, this amazing collection of historical Japanese postcards from Modernizing Propaganda: Avant Garde Postcards. Part of a larger MIT project, Visualizing Cultures.
- An afternoon with Khatt.
Some interesting finds via the Khatt Network. Above: Amin Ojaghloo, some student work from his Khatt page. Hup, Amin! Above: Pascal Zoghbi, from his fascinating post on generating Arabic fonts. Found through the Khatt news links. Above: Pascal Zoghbi, from another post on Lebanon’s first printing press. Please also explore Pascal’s formidable 29letters.
- Discarded direction?
Found in MPLS. Above: Cold and still snow covered here, the natural habitat of strong graphic projections? Sometimes even a discarded pizza box knows the way forward (or at least the way into a flat file marked: Ideas). Strangely similar to another recent found object.
- Lost and found?
A wish, a dream. Above: Found today in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Whittier neighborhood. A wish to learn, a dream to fly. Oh, to be young again with a world of language and people. Paper airplanes para el futuro!
- El Norte
Minneapolis, Minnesota Marchant, toujours marchant? Non, à pied, toujours à pied. Cara mia, warum müssen wir immer zu Fuss gehen? Look there! You see, Ton-Ton. …for there is refuge in the distance, at last! We were welcomed by kind-hearted people, and led through normal medical examination procedures. We thought this a customs office at first, [...]
- Happy Birthday Precious
For our dear friend Precious, Mabrouk! Precious is our former colleague in Doha, who has just returned form a research trip to Africa herself. I thought she might enjoy this fascinating old photograph taken by my mother, Janice, in Cameroon in 1970. I believe I have seen her hands used as emphatically as in this [...]
- Old Cairo Photographs
From my flat file… Cairo, Egypt Above: Cotton Salesman, Cairo market. 1983. Photo by Brett Hanson, my younger brother. A personal favorite for obvious reasons, Brett must have had a good relationship with this moment to capture this amazing character. This photo was taken around the same time, by Roch Fore (I believe). Equally stunning [...]
- Persian Gulf Studio Visit
Doha, Qatar: Manar Al-Muftah Manar, featured earlier, is a young Qatari artist preparing for her upcoming show, and has generously shared this glimpse into her studio. Above: Various ephemera. Above: Family. Above: Cabbage Patch collection. Like many of us, Manar is inspired by Reza Abedini. Here are some framed cards she received from him. Above: [...]
- Aktuell / Grafik Espresso por favor…
Amelia Irwin, NYC Graphic Designer Above: Type study. Take some time to look through Amelia‘s site, I was delighted to see that she has this available. Above: Created for video-project (with Kelli Miller). Above: Website draft for the Grafikests.
- To the Original Fire Breathing Dragon
From the Flat File: Amelia Irwin, Beaver College Above: Amelia Irwin went on to Cranbrook, and to glory. Now she is in NYC. ¡Hola, Amelia!
- Chris Burns / Detalles
Coming soon, entrar en detalles con Chris Burns 016 Geotypografika exclusivo.
- New Favicon fer’ Geotypografika
Accidental rabbit joins the circle of favicon icons. Lovely found rabbit enters the hallowed halls of the favicon (16×16). Lucky 007, wee version below. Kawaii!
- Decode Unicode
Excellent resource for a vital field of knowledge. Above: Poster of decodeunicode‘s design. Fachhochschule Mainz (GER), Professor Johannes Bergerhausen. A project which contains every last character contained in Unicode 4.0. I have the book.
- Lucky 007
Accidental Rabbit found on classroom floor yesterday. Above: Which then became the favicon. Check the Specimen page for other odd finds destined to live a long life in my flat files.
- Aktuell / Task Newsletter
Seen in Design Observer Andrew Blauvelt reviews a new platform called Task in Design Observer, a collaboration between Emmet Byrne, Alex DeArmond, and John Seuda. Click here or the image above for a direct link to Task, but read this article as well, Blauvelt’s comments on “imagined” communities, i.e. blogs and magazines that cover our [...]
- Indian Tipografia and Middle Class Expansion
A startling contrast, everyday images and global scale economic shifts… These images are street shops signs in Panaji, India. Taken last summer on our visit to Goa. These signs were a welcome find, as you can imagine, how wonderful it is to find your people, brothers and sisters in type! Humble and incredible, and very [...]
- Rabbit in Print
From Mieke Gerritzen’s book, Visual Power III Business In an entry by one Harmen Liemburg of Amsterdam, there is curious evidence of a past life of yours truly, and how best to spend a weekend night after an exchange with students from the Rietveld, circa 1997. True story. (Bis Publishers, Holland 2003)
- Let go and let Type.
Update: New snapshots of present working studio environment (is). As it is, or as it were. Above: I love big type. Irashaimase! Dozo mina-san, Irashaiiii! A classic from 2000.
- Kevin Keegan
Mighty Mouse. When real men wore short shorts. I grew up in Hamburg, Germany largely, and my childhood football team was HSV (Hamburger Sports Verein), of course. Equally, St. Pauli was also a local favorite. Keegan played for HSV, we called him Mighty Mouse – he was everyone’s hero, a great and enthusiastic ambassador from [...]