Polish poster art still thriving
Posted by: Christine Golus
I just returned from a trip to Poland and was thrilled to see Polish poster art alive and thriving.
Really old handwriting
Posted by: Christine Golus
A few months ago a few of us here in the office were bemoaning the fact that cursive handwriting is no longer taught in elementary school. And with our constant communication via Facebook, Twitter, and email very few of us send or receive handwritten letters. Last week I was extremely fortunate to get a special visit to the University of Michigan Library’s Papyrology Collection.
Tasty Wine Labels
Posted by: Lisa Chen
For me, as well as many others, the Internet is an endless space where I can become distracted for hours on end. My recent visual explorations have been through the world of packaging design. Being a person that thinks two dimensionally, the actual construction of the various pieces often baffles me. Wine label design has been one of my favorite categories to browse because I can’t imagine there are too many complications with the construction of these labels. Plus, what designer is not guilty of selecting a wine based purely on the aesthetic of the label?
Here’s a round-up of some of my recent favorites.
Lunch with Carter and Black
Posted by: Christine Golus
Last Thursday I was honored to accept a last minute invitation from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design to lunch with Matthew Carter and Roger Black (thank you Mary Alice Bankert!). Carter and Black were in town last week as part of the Penny W. Stamps Speaker Series – one of the best things the School has done for the Ann Arbor community.
Labor of Love: Folk Fest 2012
Posted by: Jocelyn Edin
Each year, we have the very good fortune of working on the promotional materials for the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. This year we focused our concepts on letterpress. There were so many good reasons to go this route, and of course our dear friends at The Ark gave us the freedom to follow our interests and make it come to life.
2011 UM Alumni Show
Posted by: Christine Golus
Last Friday Alissa and I attended the University of Michigan 2011 Alumni Show.
Thank You Gillian
Posted by: Jocelyn Edin
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I love that Gillian Welch and David Rawlings devoted so much time, effort, thought, and (coffee) creativity to their new album’s CD packaging, The Harrow & The Harvest. It’s this kind of passion for the arts; music, illustration, design, and printing that will keep these physical pieces alive. I look forward to hearing the full album and holding the work of art in my hands. I may just have to go for the Hatch Show Print bundle which includes a poster from the iconic letterpress shop I blogged about a few months ago!
A Visit to Hatch Show Print
Posted by: Jocelyn Edin
While on a quick weekend trip to Nashville this past weekend, I happened upon Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the country. What a wonderful, colorful, historical treat it was! There was only a small space for retail and huge crowd of tourists herding through (such as myself), so I couldn’t stay long. Fortunately, the web is full of info and imagery to satisfy my craving for more.
Painting the Town
Posted by: Alissa Ampezzan
This weekend, a few of the Q crew let loose and Painted the Town at the Ann Arbor Art Center’s 29th annual Winefest. Q has a longstanding relationship with the Art Center and was proud to design the promotional materials for this year’s event. It was a lovely night of delicious food, interesting wines, and unexpected “happenings” to celebrate why art matters.
Field Trip! Jim Horton’s Letterpress Studio
Posted by: Christine Golus
This week a few of us had the opportunity to visit Jim Horton’s letterpress studio located just west of Ann Arbor on Waters Road.
Paint the Town
Posted by: Alissa Ampezzan
Nearly 8 years ago, Q designed a new identity for the Ann Arbor Art Center. Perhaps you've spotted the downtown bike racks inspired by the logo? This year, we are continuing our support of this Ann Arbor landmark by sponsoring their largest annual fundraiser—Winefest. Q designed all of the promotional materials for this year's theme: Paint the Town. The big event will be held at a chic—and unexpected—warehouse on the west side of town on Saturday, May 7, and includes a strolling supper, wine-tastings, live auctions, and "random acts of culture". Click here for event details and to purchase tickets.
Liquor Labels
Posted by: Tom Rieke
Brazil’s most famous artist presents Brazil’s national drink.
CCS Visit
Posted by: Jocelyn Edin
This past Thursday, a small delegation from Q headed east to visit the College of Creative Studies (CCS) in downtown Detroit. Though the school expanded into the Taubman Center two years ago, many of us have not had the chance to experience the new spaces. Plus, we were able to combine the tour with an afternoon of graphic design student portfolio reviews, an inspiring day indeed.
Matchbooks: Anonymous Creativity
Posted by: Christine Golus
Last weekend I stopped in the Gallery Project on Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor. The exhibit, Artifacts, featured a collection of artwork based on found objects. Included was this house made of matchbooks by Mary Beth Carolan entitled Bailout.
The Heads of State
Posted by: Lan Truong
Last Tuesday, a friend and I went to Michigan State University to hear Jason Kernevich and Dusty Summers speak. They’re the talented duo behind The Heads of State, a graphic design and illustration studio in the City of Brotherly Love.
