It’s been a long winter, and we’ve been busier than ever. With availability being at a premium, we’ve been selective of our blog posts, preferring the instant reward of Instagram and opting for time away from the business (when our schedule permits). But just as spring finally shakes off the cold, we too are breaking through the doldrums of the winter season, feeling inspired and ready to create. Leading this creative boost is the discovery of a new quarterly publication out of Pittsburgh called The Rustbelt Almanac (what a name, right?), stumbled upon a couple weeks ago while browsing through Design Sponge.
For those of you who follow us, you’re likely aware of our great appreciation for tactility and the wonderment that exists when design leaves the screen and makes it’s way into the fibres of every day life. As publications increasingly move towards an all-digital format, a gaping hole is being left in the print industry, and we feel a certain sense of loss as we move further from the page and closer to the pixel. As Maxwell Tielman of Design Sponge says here in his article, however, ‘there are some brave new upstarts that are refusing to give up on the tactility and intimacy of print’, and we couldn’t agree more with his choice of subject.
Co-founded by Photographer Noah Purdy and Graphic Designer Michael Artman, The Rustbelt Almanacis devoted to industrious creators from America’s Rustbelt, defined as ‘the sprawling region stretching from the Northeast across the Midwest, and into parts of the Upper South — most notably characterized by a vast void left by manufacturing industries that once dominated the economic landscape, but have long since gone by the wayside.’
Now, we could go on and on about how we think this is amazing, and how we see similarities to our local industry, but if you’re reading this, like us you’re still a visual person, and words can only go so far. Well, we’re both in luck. Rather then listen to me, you can get the 411 directly from the source:
To quote the creators from their website, ‘While industry may have moved elsewhere, the work-ethic has not.’ This, to me, is entirely evident, as it takes brass to challenge the status quo and start a venture, not knowing what uncertainty lurks around the corner. For that, we commend Noah and Michael, and we aim to support them by purchasing the first issue (as their Kickstarter goal has, fortunately, already been met). If you feel similarly, we encourage you to follow suit. After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?.- Tyler
Tags: Design Sponge graphic design Magazine One Plus One One Plus One Design photography Publication Rustbelt Rustbelt Almanac The Rustbelt Almanac United States USA
It feels like this has been the longest winter in the history of winters. Now I don’t think that’s factual, but my brain and body have been telling me that this is true. So when the weather finally turned nice this past weekend, there was nothing that I wanted to do more than to spend every minute possible outdoors. Coincidentally, the beautiful weather aligned with a trip to a friends cabin. And boy did it feel good to get out of town. It always amazes me how nature is able to rejuvenate my creativity. Just sitting and sketching, hearing nothing more than birds and the wind in the trees are some of my most favourite things. To see bald eagles swooping overhead, to watch the Canadian geese come home, and to even get a rare glimpse at a moose (it was huge!) makes me want to just sit and let the ideas pour onto paper. Mother nature definitely puts me in my ‘happy place’ — what puts you there? - Jessie
I’ve seen this video starting to make it’s rounds on various social media feeds, but couldn’t help but share it anyway. Dove’s campaign Dove Real Beauty Sketches uses a composite sketch artist to help women see who they really are to others. It’s amazing how many woman are unhappy with their appearance, and perceive themselves as ugly. If you’ve got an extra 6 minutes and 36 seconds to spare I suggest giving this video a watch.- Jessie
Thanks to the wonderful Amanda Jane Jones for including us in her My Better Half series today. We are huge fans of Amanda’s work, and it’s an honour to be included in her series. What a great way to end the week! See more right here. - Tyler + Jessie
This portfolio update has been a long time in the making, and we are beyond thrilled to be able to finally share it! Both our Graphic Design and Wedding portfolios have been re-stocked with work from the past 12 – 16 months, totalling 20 new profiles. During this time it has truly been an eye-opening experience at how vast, and yet how small, the world can really be. From New York to Kelowna, California to Australia, London to right here in Winnipeg, we’ve met and worked with many wonderful clients. From chicken wings to real-estate, bohemian beach stationery to high-end fashion websites we’ve worked hard to bring our clients design visions to life. Below is just a snippet of some of these new projects. If you’re interested in any one piece, simply scroll through and click on the image that catches your fancy to find out more about it — they’ve all got stories as unique as their designs! - Tyler + Jessie
A huge thank you to Victoria Anne Photography for being patient with us as we worked to get the portfolio photography just right, and to Ashley Nicole for her attention to detail while helping us style our wedding stationery for the camera.
