Nap for That Rebranded!

Not long after Apple began it's "There's an app for that" advertising campaign, I was inspired to begin my Nap for That t-shirt line not only in jest, but also because I'm serious about napping. Just ask any of my friends, it's true. 

While the clean and simple typography was easy to work with, it still didn't convey the full amount of awesome that I believe Nap for That stands for, so earlier this year I began to rethink how I approached Nap for That. I wanted some sort of illustration/graphic that would connect with the audience more.

I began to reflect on sleep and naps (I may have even done some hard research in the napping department too... ;) After my research and some sketches, I figured a sheep would be the most appropriate new mascot for Nap for That. I wanted to keep that handmade feel to the finished illustration and after a few rounds, here is Ned the Sleepy Sheep! (Maybe I'm biased, but I just find him too cute.)

Now that Ned has been finalized,  I'm starting off small on relaunching the Nap for That brand, but have ideas for expanding the line up in early 2013. Keep your eyes peeled here for updates to the lineup as they happen!

Nap for that t-shirts, mugs, and posters would make an awesome gift for the napper in your life. You can buy 'em here at my Zazzle shop. Now through 10/31 Halloween Mystery Sale: save up to 20% on select items with code "OCTOBERFUN31" at checkout.

Local peeps you can purchase the limited edition Holiday Nap for That cards printed by The Envelope exclusively at DVAC's Art to Buy November 2-December 29. 

Nap on everyone!

Monday Fun: Graphic Design Emergency, Part II

Last week, I posted my Graphic Design PSA about Graphic Design Emergencies. This week, part 2...

Graphic design is a profession filled with deadlines. Many of them arrive too quickly, no matter how much time we as designers are given on a project. But I've always said, "there's no such thing as a graphic design emergency." And in my decade plus of experience, I've never seen a reason or project that warranted "emergency" status.

However, a bibe of cookies always seems to work wonders...

If you like it, you can pick up one at my Zazzle shop.

Monday Fun: Graphic Design Emergency.

Graphic design is a profession filled with deadlines. Many of them arrive too quickly, no matter how much time we as designers are given on a project. But I've always said, "there's no such thing as a graphic design emergency." And in my decade plus of experience, I've never seen a reason or project that warranted "emergency" status. As a service to my fellow professionals, I finally decided to make this reminder poster  for those times of frantic client calls so that you can make sure your frantic client gets the help they need!

If you like it, you can pick up one at my Zazzle shop.

Free Fonts

I was talking to a friend the other about design related things. Somehow the conversation turned to type and I remarked to her that "free fonts are like a $20 hooker. You never know what you're going to get." She laughed and said, "that would be a great t-shirt." So I made it into a t-shirt and a poster for your enjoyment!


Like this? You can buy it as a poster and/or a t-shirt at my Zazzle shop.

Life Sucks Then You Fly

I'm having fun with a new series of posters that I developed at the end of 2011 and 2012 that started with Dream Pig and Give Peas A Chance.

I love the simple iconography and type combined with a single, strong color for a quick, compelling story. I've tried to keep the feeling light and airy throughout. I think in a way, these posters are stress relievers for me.

I debated whether or not to use the PG or R rated version, but as my friend Bruce pointed out, people will get it, there's no need to be explicit. I still made the R rated version, but it's not for sale. ;)

You can pick up a nice 11x17 version of Life Sucks Then You Fly over at my Zazzle shop.

Don't Give Me That Sheep

I'm having fun with a new series of posters that I developed at the end of 2011 and 2012 that started with Dream Pig and Give Peas A Chance.

I love the simple iconography and type combined with a single, strong color for a quick, compelling story. I've tried to keep the feeling light and airy throughout. I think in a way, these posters are stress relievers for me.

The newest entrant is "Don't Give Me That Sheep." I've made the background brown to convey what the sheep really stand for...if you like it, you can buy a poster (sheep and all) at my Zazzle store.

Mail Fail x3

What's a Mail Fail? When a direct mail mail fails to: target the proper audience and/or other fun errors such as typos.

The other day I literally received three Mail Fails in one day! I was thrilled and entertained by these off-the-mark and mailers:

1) Toyota Wants Your Car! I received this official looking letter from a local Toyota dealer. According to the letter, they NEED my 04 Corolla on their used car lot and because of my status as their customer, they will reward me with a great deal on a new Toyota. That's funny, I bought my Toyota at another dealer in town...so I guess not being a customer has its rewards in this case!

2) Pretend AD to Pretend Designer: "Why save money on postage in these tough economic times? Let's put the postcard inside a clear envelope so we can pay full postage on the mailing and how In-Housers how we can save them money!"

3) Dear Nick, Rick, Whatever: I've saved the best for last. This gem starts off on a good note... they have my name on the front...

Wait a minute, what the heck is that in the upper left? It looks like a bee fighting a spider! Are these the "customers" I'm supposed to attract? Not sure I want to attract bugs, especially not ones that sting/bite. You're starting to lose me here...

And now, you've completely lost me...

Rick?! Seriously? If you're going to use variable data, please don't drink and work with databases!

While targeted marketing and variable data can go wrong, done properly, it can be a great tool to help reach your target audience. Don't let these poor examples scare ya away, just keep them in mind and don't do what they did so your mailpiece rocks!

Cheezy Trek T-Shirt Offer

The people at Cheez-It crack me up. They have a nice Trek related t-shirt reward on their recent packaging. It's a pretty cool lookin' shirt:

This is the part that cracks me up:

Now, I know that the new Star Trek has a broader appeal; however, I'm fairly confident that most "regular" folks won't be wearing this t-shirt to any social or sporting occasion...

New T's on Zazzle: There's a Nap for That

I just created a new line of shirts for everyone who loves naps! "Whatever tires you, there's a nap for that." Enjoy! http://tinyurl.com/qm7kjz

New Zazzle Ts: Designer Math

New t-shirt design available from my Zazzle shop!

If you thought Algebra was hard, then you're probably a designer. We might have a job that's more fun, but our math isn't much easier, just different. Available in Men's and Women's sizes on my Zazzle shop.

T-shirt reads:
Can you place the Illy file into ID and try to either print it from
there or make a PDF and print the PDF?

Can you walk and chew gum at the same time?

Perhaps if you feed it cookies it will be all better? Or better yet,
feed you cookies and come back to it?

Did you export the AI file to make the PSD or JPG? What happens if
you just open the AI file in PSD?

Did you try doing a Save As, deleting the custom fills and seeing if
it will print?

Maybe you could photocopy it instead? :P

Stimulate the Economy!

Well, my personal economy....shameless self promo: I just added 2 new shirts to my Zazzle store that poke fun at the economic situation. Stimulate the economy in style with these t-shirts! Both designs are available in men's and women's styles. If you like what ya see, you can buy 'em here.

Friday Fun 2-Fer

So I was buying more paper for my inkjet printer on Amazon the other day and came across this oddity:


USED paper? Seriously? The worst part was the price was almost as much as a new, unopened box!


And my second "What the?!" of the week was this find on the Apple apps store:



So iBoob didn't make it past the almighty Apple censors, but this app where you can dress up women in different skimpy outfits did? No, I didn't download this one. And sadly, I can't remember what I was searching for when I found it, I got distracted. :P

Friday Fun: Chocolate Bar

Whenever I travel, I enjoy looking through the guide books at the hotel to see what sites they recommend. On a recent trip to Buffalo, I was perusing the local guide book and came across this priceless ad:

Looks like an interesting place for adults right? Well, that little brown round circle at the bottom proudly proclaims "A great place for kids too!" Um, right. I didn't get that impression from the rest of the ad!

Font Conference

For designers, typographers, or anyone else who loves/works with type, you will love this video...it's a great use of fonts...

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.