Letterpress

On my walk to the gym this afternoon, I finally stopped in to a store I've been eyeing for weeks.

Oblation Papers & Press is a shop that makes papers, does printing and letterpress. They also sell other stationary and office supplies.

The stationary they sell is stunning. They've got an amazing assortment of colors and graphics, and the whole store makes me want to write old-fashioned letters to all my friends.

If they sold ice cream, I'd probably be there every day.

I'm back!

I’ve graduated, visited 10 or so European countries, and moved to Portland. And now the time has come to re-awaken the blog.

Why?

Because I’m looking for a job, and trying to get back on the professional path, and blogging was always such a great way to organize my thoughts and reflect on my creative process.

So some rules for myself:

-Post something, anything, every day.

-No more than 100 words.

I think I can do that.

got it covered

The most daunting task in designing the notebook I talked about in the last post was the cover. However, thanks to some great direction from the boss, it came together rather quickly and easily. I designed two variations, which were then decided on by somebody (I actually wish I knew exactly who this was).
These were the choices:












The one on the left is obviously more conservative, and we were sure that was the one they would choose. However, they went with the one on the right, which is the one I prefer anyways. It seems to be a rare occasion that the design that I have more pride in and spent more time on is the one that is actually chosen.

the notebook

Project of recent: designing the free notebook that is given out to SOU students. In previous years a calendar/planner was given out, but starting last year they switched over to notebooks. Within the notebooks are some ads (of course, nothing is REALLY free, is it?) and 8 pages that the University may fill with whatever content they please.

Fortunately I got the job of filling these pages and also designing the cover.

The theme that my supervisor came up with was Campus Resources. So the notebook will be designed around the different resources and support available to students.

The most difficult task for me in all this was coming up with a concept for a theme that I would use on all the pages. After several hours of playing around with different photos and layouts, I came up with the idea to make each page look like a cork board/chalk board. It has a scholarly look, and maybe it's even a little cheesy, but I think it really works with this content.

So for now, I am laying out the different pages as the copy gets forwarded to me.
Example numero uno (not even close to being done yet):

graduation

I haven't actually received confirmation that I am in fact graduating, but I would just assume so since I have fulfilled the requirements. I have been almost as excited about making really awesome invitations as I am about actually graduating. 

I created these using the same cap vector graphic that I used for the Bookstores graduation signage. The context of it, however, is completely different. 

All of the RSVP info and addresses are on the opposite side of this 5x7 postcard. They will be printed glossy. I CANNOT wait to get them back from the printer!!! 

recycled

Just finished printing material for next weeks recycled sale. I included lots of different textures because I am trying to branch away from my typical overly-clean looking layouts. And it really fits the recycled theme. It is looking a little foggy here, but it is actually quite vibrant when printed.

this week

Today I am just finishing printing up all the signage I have been working on for the upcoming Grad Fair at the bookstore. You will soon see the Southern Oregon University campus (or at least anywhere near the Stevenson Union) plastered with these posters.
I'm in love with this font right now and will probably be abusing it.