Saturday we had some mind-altering-design-theory conversations with Dirk Fowler. Dirk is a professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and he has a design firm, along with his wife, called F2. We took some time to discuss the repercussions of design. Dirk shared some personal stories from when he was first getting into advertising/design, which were really inspiring. Design is power. As designers we create visuals to produce a message. That message positive or negative affects a given audience in some way or another. It is up to us to be honest with everything we create, right? It is something to think about… Dirk is also a genius with a letterpress and creates gig posters for clients all over the world. Check out the video for a little letterpress tutorial and a bit of us rambling about design.
Here are a few of our favorite pieces of his. He also sells limited runs of his posters on his website so make sure to check those out!
We arrived in Albuquerque last night. Here is an example of how awesome people are. We met Aaron, for the first time ever, for lunch on Friday, in Dallas. We chatted for about an hour, somewhere in the conversation we said that we were stopping in Albuquerque, but we didn’t have a place to stay. Two days later he set us up with his parents. They have an amazing place tucked away in the mountains, 15 minutes outside Albuquerque. They’ve already spoiled us and we’ve been here less than 24 hrs. Woo thank you!
Here is a bonus video since our last post was lacking one.
Tags: dirk fowler, letterpress, lubbock design
8.10.2009
I think the issue of spec-work will continue for as long as people are paying for design. Because whether we like it or not there will always be those people who wish to undercut the competition to make a fast buck. If you want an example, just look at Walmart, probably one of the biggest “spec work” companies that exist. Their entire company is founded on “rolling back prices” and undercutting all other competition.
On another note, I loved the interview with Dirk Fowler. I am a huge fan of hand-made posters like that. And that “Hand Eye Chicken” poster he made is PIMP!
So when is my interview going to be ready?
8.10.2009
Another one of my pointless comments, since I know nothing about design…but..
I just love keeping up with you Gene! Im glad yall are doing this and Im proud of you too! Have fun and stay safe…esp in those dang parking lots! haha!
8.12.2009
Hey guys! Sorry I missed you. I’m super bummed but thought the video was awesome. I’ve finally seen the infamous ‘Dirk’s Letterpress’ and yes, it seems to be as awesome as everyone says it is. Also, thanks for giving me a piece of home with the mountain view.
As for your questions, yes, there are projects I wouldn’t take and industries I wouldn’t work for. The obvious ones that you listed (smoking, strip clubs..etc.) But probably the different one is I would never work for the dairy industry. I’ve done a lot of research about what exactly is in our milk and would never ever promote it.
For the second question about spec work being your last resort, well no. I wouldn’t take spec work even if the economy did tank because I wanted to prepare myself for those types of situations so I’ve developed other skills that I could profit from if I needed to. Lowering your standards for money, no matter what situation I found myself in, isn’t me.
As for the pay some up front and more later sort of work, I’m kind of on the bridge with that. I think it could be a good thing for really new designers to do, but then again, I could see many clients trying to take advantage of them for it. So I don’t know. Personally I would never do it. It’s kind of like a sign of a lack of confidence and I would probably be insulted if someone asked me to do that. Ha ha.
8.16.2009
Nice story on Mr. Fowler, his work is amazing.
I also loved the fact that you shot the intro from my parents driveway
8.16.2009
You didn’t tell us that your parents house came with an amazing view! we couldn’t resit shooting there. Next time you see your folks tell them thanks again from us. And ask them if they’ve been wearing their DC shirts we left for them.
8.17.2009
This is so freakin cool. Ive always wanted to get into the fine art/hands on side of design. Letterpress, screen printing, it all goes back to the origins of our craft. Super cool that you guys got to show this.
Much Love1
8.21.2011
This really is good article ! I just love’d it !
8.24.2011
I don’t agree with your last stage.
8.25.2011
I like your history, let me bookmark your blog and also return here in next couple of days.