Force Per Unit Area / Sketchblog

A few weeks ago I started a "sketchblog" on Tumblr. I realised that a lot of the work that I'm most proud of isn't really "work" at all. It's the in-between-thoughts, stream-of-consciousness doodling, scrawled ramblings, odd conglomerations of type and image, the process, the unfinished, the overheard and the introspective, personal thoughts that don't get shared.

These sketchbooks become a palimpsest of inspiration, study, works-in-progress and ideas, with each word and line part of a story. I think that the sketchbook is more real than any piece of created work, and I decided that I'd start updating the blog daily with a piece from one of my dozens of books. They're "curated" in a sense; they are not chosen randomly to post and they are not all necessarily pieces that I'm working on at the time. It's an exercise in sharing, process and inspiration. So, here goes.

FORCE PER UNIT AREA

Hey you.

A few weeks ago I tweeted a short and sweet little piece of positive affirmation. Within 10 minutes, my good friend and collaborator Bryan Haker of New York posted a quick design that he threw together. It was too good. I sent the image on to Keegan at KeeganMeegan Letterpress & Bindery, and now we have fantastic cards to give to friends and strangers alike. It's nice being able to give out a piece of design and see smiles so immediately.

Sims - Burn It Down Vinyl Art

Recently finished the vinyl 12" artwork and direction for Minneapolis-based rapper Sims of the indefatigable Doomtree crew. The name of his album is "BAD TIME ZOO," and this 12" inch single needed to be a part of it's visual direction but have a presence of it's own. I created a custom font for the campaign called BTZ Display, and this takes a front seat through the record covers. Small illustrations of predators highlight small areas. Next month I'll be breaking down the whole BAD TIME ZOO packaging that I've been working on for the last month. Stay tuned.

AKR Monogram Necklace

I designed this silver monogram necklace for my ladyfriend this holiday season. I developed the initials "AKR" in a customized Lubalin Graph lock-up, and reached out to Beth at Studio Acorn here in Portland for the fabrication. Beth did a fantastic job leading me through the process and delivering this rad little piece.

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Initial vector art:



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Wax cast with nickel for scale:



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Finished piece, in silver:

KeeganMeegan / Holiday Cardism

The talented Mr. Keegan Wenkman is a printer, ambassador of gorgeous drawing, handsome script typography, and just an all-around nice guy. I was SO happy to learn that he and his ladyfriend Katy moved to Portland and opened a fantastic print/design studio called KeeganMeegan a while before I moved out here.. They printed my little holiday card this year, and I took some flicks.

> CHECK 'EM OUT HERE: FLICKRRRRRR

Japan!

I had the opportunity to travel for work to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in the end of October. I put a selection of photos up at my pretty-much-defunct Flickr account. You can check them out here: FLICKRRRRRR

Nike Lava Dunk

The first hybrid shoe that I created while at Nike Sportswear recently hit market in Japan. We took the classic 1982 LavaDome sole and gave it a modern twist with a Dunk upper and rugged outdoor eyestay hardware, ballistic mesh and heavy leathers. Since it was a Japanese release for it's first wave, the team over there applied the camo collar lining and their signature "AFE" logo to the tongue label. We're looking at some great new releases in this model in the upcoming seasons, so keep your eye out..

Los Logos: Compass

I'm ultra-excited to be included in the newest installment of the Die Gestalten Los Logos books, which is called Los Logos: Compass. It should be in stores the end of this month in the States, and you can find more info on the book here: Los Logos at Die Gestalten site.

Stay Strong

We recently finished this paint-marker mural on the wall of our living room. A little motivational phrase inspired by my guy Bryan Haker and originally made for the upcoming book "Live Now."

Tonight Sept. 17 / MPLS