The Intersection of Art and Commerce
Anyone who cares about art, design, film, creativity, and/or the art world should not miss the film “Exit through the Gift Shop” by the elusive street artist Banksy. Like Banksy, it is sly, funny, subversive, and brilliant. What supposedly began as a documentary about some of the most notorious street artists, including Banksy, becomes a portrait of the compulsive man behind the camera, an examination of the creative impulse and the nature of art and the art market. And it is great fun, as well.
Is street art fine art or graphic design? A mash-up of both? We would argue the latter, and the act of making it is a large part of the message.
For comments email Victoria Pohlmann or Adam Katz
Sharp Gems
At the time that I spotted the striking window of Henry Westpfal & Co. on 25th Street, I had never heard of the place. But the displays were graphic marvels and the juxtaposition with the crudely rendered lettering in the center was a treat that needed to be recorded. I snapped a couple of pictures with my phone and went on my way. Later, zooming in on the photos, I noticed the little white sign taped to one of the displays: “Display Boards for Sale. Made in 1931. Inquire.” So I looked them up and called, and had a great chat with Carmella, the establishment’s manager. Yes, all of the display boards were made by “the same gentleman” in 1931. She had four left that were for sale, including one that features tools for leather workers, and the price was $995.00 each. The boards in the window, though, were not for sale “at this time anyway.” And would those be the same price, if they do ever go on sale? Oh, no, those would be $1,500 each. Reluctantly, I thanked her for her time and resolved to enjoy the images as screensavers and let it go at that. Must return and check out the rest of the collection . . .
For comments email Victoria Pohlmann
Around Town
Living and working in New York City with its constant stimulation, Im often stepping out of the hurried rush to capture a moment that has caught my eye.
Earlier this week, I noticed someone had added a 'G' and an 'A' to a one way sign on 5th Avenue at 18th Street.
On my way into the office this morning I saw that a NYC DOT worker was taking it down.
I felt compelled to ask if it was due to the additional letters - thinking it may make more sense to simply remove the applied letters than take the entire sign down.
Amused, the guy showed his co worker the 'GONE AWAY' sign that had just been brought to his attention, and replied that it had nothing to do with taking the sign down.....
Is it time for a new standard size for business cards?
For as long as I’ve been designing business cards (lets just say several decades) 3 1/2” x 2” has been the standard format. That worked perfectly when everyone had one phone number and email was not even an idea. But, now everyone has many phone numbers, sometimes very lengthy email addresses and job titles that are often six to eight words long. No one uses fax machines any more, but everyone still has fax numbers on their cards.
What’s the poor designer to do? Fitting all this vital information onto one side of a little card is challenging at best. Making it look good has become nearly impossible. Hence the contortions you often see these days: cards printed on both sides, vertical cards, single-fold cards. Any of these solutions might fit the needs at hand and look great, but they will never provide a standard that everyone can match.
Where did the current standard come from? Could we create a new standard? Do we need a standard?
People used to attach business cards to their Roll-A-Dex cards. But, Roll-A-Dexs have gone the way of typewriters. Some people file them in acetate sleeves which are standard sizes, so that would be a problem. Serious salespeople even have business card scanners but I assume there is some wiggle room there in the size they will scan. And, of course, people have fancy cases and folders in which they carry or display their cards. Luggage tags have been designed around business card size.
Who wants to go first to challenge all those reasons for the status quo?
For comments email Robert Barber
