Chalkbard A-Frame Artwork: BUTCHER SHOP

I was recently asked to make a Chalkboard A-Frame for our Kosher for Passover meat products. The butcher shop has undergone a big re-branding lately, and we wanted to bring attention to these special holiday products.

I was inspired by old-fashioned butcher shop signage.

The A-Frames we use measure 2 x 3 feet. They are sturdy, durable, and reusable. I generally use mostly white chalk and white chalk pens to do the lettering and, depending on the board, add additional colors to highlight aspects of the design.

I had fun making this sign! This back side is simple foam core!

For this sign, I made a back that was inspired by the price flags and old-timey window signs from neighborhood markets. This highlights the prices (literally) making it easy for customers to compare the price-per-pound for the different cuts of meats.

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Typography Illustration: Do your best Part 2

Happy Friday! In a previous post I showed some of the steps I take to create a typographic illustration. Now I will show you some of the steps I take to color a piece!

 

I generally do a quick thumbnail off to the side (or make a photocopy) to make sure the colors I use work in harmony. If you are working digitally, you can easily change the colors in photoshop, but with traditional work, it helps to work out your colors ahead of time.

 

 

I decided to use circus-inspired bold colors to match the bold fonts.

 

Once you have decided on your colors, start blocking them in. I always make sure to have another piece of paper under my drawing to help absorb some of the marker that bleeds through.

I use a variety of pen and marker types for my illustrations. Copic and PrismaColors are favorites of mine, but I also use Sharpies. Many of the colors you see in my finished illustration are a combination of several colors. Another useful tool in my typography illustrations is a chalk marker, which I use for the highlights on letterforms.

The finished illustration!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I was so fortunate to be able to surprise my family by driving to see them! Work let me swap a few of my days off this week and take an extra day to travel through to surprise them!

My parents were none-too-happy that I was ignoring their Christmas calls (while I was simultaneously driving through Canada to see them!). My little brother and I had a good laugh, though. He knew I was coming,but kept it a secret.

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I hope that you are able to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones. Today  quick lettering sketch, then back to spending time with family. Happy holidays!

The Ampersand makes its appearance

Have I told you how much I love the ampersand? It’s true. It’s my favorite typographic element.

I thought to take my love for the ampersand and turn it into an assortment of buttons. That way I can take an ampersand with me wherever I go. These lovely new buttons are fresh off the press and many more are to come. Available now in Pink Toe Press’ Etsy shop. They are the perfect addiction to a jacket, book bag, or more. They are also available as MAGNETS! Huzzah!

Colors and fonts inspired by the 1980’s

Colors inspired by dusk.

Manicule: Pointing the Way

I know they say it’s impolite to point, but I couldn’t help myself!

Now available at Pink Toe Press’ Etsy Shop are Manicule Buttons. Also called the Index, Pointing Hand, or Bishop’s Fist, these typographic symbols were very important in printing from the 12th century to the 18th century. In the 18th through the 20th century, they became more widely used in directional signage than in printed books. With increased popularity of the typewriter, they became less used as they were too wide for typewriter keys. Never out of favor, they are still popular today, especially among typography lovers. They are my favorite symbol after my beloved Ampersand.

Used in a similar fashion to bullets to bring attention to passages, these iconic symbols will catch everyone’s eye. These buttons are a great way to show your love of typography or to bring attention to yourself or a detail on your wardrobe. Made from antique woodblock and letterpress Manicule symbols. Available in 2-packs or 4-packs; Left or Right facing.