Binth, a collaborative design firm in Chicago focused primarily on screenprinting, designs and produces a range of unique work, from greeting cards to pillows and original prints. Their emphasis on strong color is evident - they mix water-based inks by hand to generate “drop-dead” colors - and they’re also dedicated to being environmentally conscious and to using recycled papers. (Read more about how serious they are about their colors right here. Serious.)
Collectively, the Binth group has experience in graphic design, fine art, furniture, illustration, marketing and photography; they design and create their own work, they work with small local companies and craftsmen on collaborations, and if that isn’t enough, they also design and create imagery for the Herman Miller National Design Centers, illustrate books, and design corporate identities. Wow!
I was initially drawn to them when I came across their alphabet poster (top) featuring such charming animal illustrations for each letter. The images were inspired by mid-century Danish wood toys; they also offer the individual letters for framing (what a terrific gift for a new baby). They also have an equally charming and mod number poster (below).
Look further at Binth, and you’ll also find an enormous selection of vibrant greeting cards - below are a few faves. You really have to check them all out yourself because there are so many different and interesting cards. I love the sea creatures (can you see the pale background detail?) - is that a happy squid? Excellent.
Oh, okay, here are just 4 more! Enjoy.
I just found out about Lines & Shapes (via Oh, Joy!), a collaborative book project spearheaded and curated by Lena Corwin and Maria Vettese. It’s so reassuring to be reminded that books will always be around - something tangible you can hold in your hands and feel - no matter how popular or easy it becomes to use the Internet.
After a year in planning and development, Lines & Shapes will have 6 editions this year (subscribe here), and each will include a different theme and different group of artists. The artists won’t be collaborating directly with each other, but each will interpret the theme in their own way - the result will be a book combining those different visual or textual interpretations.
I really embrace their idea of connectivity and the notion that we can collaborate and connect and share with people far away. Reading more about Maria and Port2Port has got me thinking about my talented and creative friends who are far away from me now; she’s inspired me to try and think about creative ways to reconnect! (3191 is another great example.) Just because I am here and you are there doesn’t mean we are really all that far apart. As the book says, Lines & Shapes connect us - isn’t that reassuring?
I’d been wanting to find out more about Demby+Solomon fine printed goods for a while - it’s one of the only full service letterpress invitation design firms I’ve been able to find in my area (Detroit suburbs). So I’m excited to have heard from Lysa Goodman Poore, the woman behind all that is Demby+Solomon.
Demby+Solomon began as a custom-only invitation studio, and continues to design and produce utterly custom invitations for their clients - particularly those who have unique circumstances, requiring custom illustrations or dual languages (see the paisley invitation, top, for example). Lysa emphasizes that it is so important to love what you do, and people will respond; she enjoys working with clients but also loves to create designs without a particular goal in mind.
Lysa has a background in graphic design and advertising, but loves letterpress printing for the fact that it’s still such an artisan process mixed with modern technology. Her custom letterpress work has an astonishing range, incorporating all sorts of decorative elements including flowers, leaves, and paisleys and a wide selection of beautiful typefaces and bold colors.
She draws from 50s and 60s patterns, mid-century modern design (she’s coveting a Phillipe Starck ghost chair), Mary Blair and Charley Harper for design inspiration; you can see the results in her bold and bright gift labels (above). Lysa says she embraces color, and you can really tell! [It's snowing again as I type and I have to say, these pops of cheery bright color are just what I need!] Right now, Lysa’s loving bright and saturated colors, including cobalt blue, pomegranate, red, sunflower yellow and, lately, orange.
Demby+Solomon will also be introducing a boutique collection of modern letterpress wedding invitations at the National Stationery Show (visit booth #2069 if you’ll be at the show!). Lysa is excited about the new designs, as they have a lot of customization options but will be available in retail stores nationally. Sounds perfect for someone who really wants the beautiful depth and detail of letterpress printing but doesn’t want to go the fully-custom (and more pricey) route. Can’t wait to see them!
