Making New Orleans

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the New Orleans lover?  Look no further.  Phillip Collier's Making New Orleans is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen, and if you love New Orleans and it's fascinating history, then you'll love this book.  It is a tribute to all that New Orleans has contributed to the world over the centuries.  Of course we all know that this place has contributed more than it's fair share of music, cocktails, and food, but did you know that in it's heyday New Orleans was home to more than 1,200 factories, producing some of the nations finest furniture, foods, clothing, magazines, motorcycles, and planes?  Its true, and its all here in this 336 page coffee table book.

It also highlights the current products and things that are being made in New Orleans as we speak.  Everything from the brands that have been here all along to the ones that have made New Orleans their home post Katrina, you'll probably be surprised at how much New Orleans is still making.

I have been very close to this project for the past two years (my girlfriend literally wrote it), and I have seen the meticulous detail and research that went into making it.  It is filled with old photographs, advertisements, posters, and labels that most people have never seen.  Its a visual tour de force, a thing of beauty, and I promise you, whether you're a seasoned historian or just moved to the Crescent City, you'll learn something you didn't know before.  

You can order the book off of Phillip's website here, but after you do be sure to send him an email (phillip@phillipcollierdesigns.com) and he'll personalize and sign it for you at no extra charge.  Here's a sneak peak.  Order one now!  It's the perfect gift (but I promise you'll want one for yourself)!

The always entertaining Julia Reed wrote the introduction, and each section is opened with an essay by an acclaimed expert on the subject.  Be enlightened and entertained!

After you place your order, be sure to send Phillip a personal email (phillip@phillipcollierdesigns.com) and he'll personalize and sign your copy for no extra charge!  Hurry, this offer ends December 20th!

ORDER ONE HERE

David A Smith: The last of his kind

Here's your daily dose of inspiration.  Meet David A. Smith, a traditional sign writer and graphic designer, among other things.  Actually, he's an artist in the purest sense of the word.  A very technical artist, but as you'll see, he creates masterpieces.  As the video above shows, this guy is a master at so many things...design, drawing, glass gilding, gold leaf, sign making, etc...  The phrase "jack of all trades, master of none" does not apply to him.

(Please note that I have used the term 'artist' and 'master' very carefully, as both are highly overused these days.  For example, Britney Spears is not an artist, period.  Anyway, I'm getting off subject.)  

What's so sad, like so many things these days, is that this beautiful art is completely dying.  Like so many of these great buildings and monuments that are rotting away due to the lack of craftsman and stonemasons, this kind of art is also in danger.  David is one of a handful of guys worldwide who can produce this kind of stuff, whereas there used to be a shop like his on every corner.  Technology is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but we rely on it too much.  (I know, I know...how ironic, coming from a photographer who's never stepped in a darkroom in his life.)  As David says, it's the blending of the old and the new that allows him to do what he does.  

It should also be noted that David does a great deal of teaching as well.  He wants to pass on his knowledge of this lost art before it's lost forever.  If there's a silver lining, it's that I truly believe art like this is on the rise again (relatively speaking).  It's a scarcity, and smart people want the real thing.  It's like the wet plate process in photography...too many people are too good at digital.  It time for the artists to separate themselves and go back to the way things used to be.  

Anyway, I don't consider myself to be a graphic designer, even though I do my fair share of 'design' (aka Photoshop).  I often get depressed or down, or simply feel uninspired in my work.  Then something like this video comes along and bam!, my creative energy really gets going.  So, I say to you- watch and be inspired!

Check out more of David's work here.  

The Bass Tee is here

The Bass Tee has arrived...and it might be my favorite one to date.  If you're a avid angler or just like the Tribal Wildlife series, then check it out.  I've got a couple of new animals in the works, so stay tuned...

Oh, and just like the last batch, all these shirts are printed on a tri-blend for our softest and lightest tee yet.  They are insanely comfortable to wear.

Chad, again.

From paper to tri-blend.

Red / Cream

Kelly Green / Navy

Vintage Black / Gold

Vintage Royal / Burnt Orange

New Spring Colors

Get 'em while they're hot!  New spring colors are now up on the Massey's website.  These are just reprints of the crawfish, gator, and pelican...except with new colors and on the softest material I've ever printed on ...the tri-blend.   I just finished a new design and it should be in tomorrow.  See the sketch below.

By the way, these are the best selling shirts at Massey's!  Order one here!

Chad.

Vintage Purple / Gold

Kelly Green / Navy

Neon Blue / Yellow 

Athletic Blue / Navy

Indigo / Red

The Bass...being printed as we speak! 

The Crawfish Tee

The first round of the Crawfish Tee is fresh off the press and now available.  Continuing the tribal Louisiana wildlife theme, these shirts are screenprinted on a super comfortable cotton/poly blend.  The heather gray is an American Apparel Tri-blend, and is a little bit softer and more comfortable.  You should order one now!  Click here to check it out!  

Also, any suggestions for the next Louisiana wildlife tee?  I was thinking a huge bullfrog. Let me know what you think.  

Tiger & Gator Tees

Here is the first edition of my Tiger Tee...they're not up on the Massey's website yet (just got them this morning) but they will within a day or two. They'll also be available at all four stores. Get one before the Bama game.

Screen printed on American Apparel Tri-blend tee...soooo comfortable. Anyway, here is the new design, only available in purple and gold at this point.

I also never put up my Gator Tee up on here. Part of the Louisiana Wildlife Series I'm doing for Massey's. As of now we have the Pelican, Gator, and Tiger, with the Crawfish being printed up as we speak. I need a new one to work on.

Anyway, here's the Gator design, which you can get here. Buy one!

Cardinal Red Espresso

Charcoal/Gold Kelly Green

What LA animal should I do next?

Best in the Nation

The boys over at the LSU Publications Office have outdone themselves again. They just won the coveted CoSIDA "Best in the Nation" award for the 2010 LSU Football poster and the LSU Women's Soccer poster. Their LSU Football Season guide came in third. Not too shabby.

Beautiful stuff boys. Lets hope to a great 2011 season!