#RealTalk

Avid readers of this blog have seen a progression (intentional and non-) toward more type-based designs lately. Not only does that mean ordering fewer [very expensive] printing plates for me, but people like cards with words on them, whether it says something they couldn’t quite figure out how to put into words or weren’t sure they were allowed to say.

I’m a pretty straightforward person. If you’ve met me in real life (or maybe you can even tell from my writing!), you more or less know how I feel about you, a situation or the work that you’ve made. I’m tactful, but I’m just not going to bullshit you—in fact I think it’s incredibly rude to say one thing to someone’s face and another behind their back (or even think it really).

So it makes sense that the cards I’ve been working on lately cut straight to the point. Sure, I could send you something with a quote about your journey and how everything happens for a reason… but wouldn’t you rather have this?

sorry_6815 ugh_6818The card above was actually inspired by a girlfriend’s experience with miscarriage. She said the best, most truthful sentiment anyone expressed to her was from her doctor, who simply said, “This really sucks. You don’t have to be ok right now.”

Of course that straightforward attitude works both ways—when I’m truly excited, you know it! And so, for when exciting things are on the horizon:

OMG_6812 holycrap_6809I’m at that age where most of my friends have or are thinking about, maybe working on making babies, which still just blows my mind. I know the survival of the species depends on it and all, but DO YOU KNOW ANOTHER, SEPARATE PERSON JUST GREW INSIDE YOU AND IS NOW OUT IN THE WORLD? “Holy crap” pretty much sums up how I feel about that.

These are now all available in my etsy shop, and there’s more to come in my next post! Stay tuned!

Gift guide: For the nerds

Let me just start out by saying, I do not mean ‘nerd’ to have any sort of negative connotation. I’m friends with lots of nerds (you know who you are) and most days, I’m one too! So, whether you’re really into books, computers, typography or whatever, rejoice! This guide’s for you.

First up, home decor. How do you let someone know the minute they enter your abode that you’re super into computers? (Unless, of course, your computer is the first thing you see when you walk in the front door… like me.) By PC-themed pillows courtesy of diffraction Fiber, of course. If you’re really really cool (…also like me) you’ll get the Mac version!

Cyberoptix shop offers nerdy neckties of all kinds: EEG brainwave patterns, circuit boards, topographical maps, Dadaist references… but my favorite of course features a typographical lorem ipsum pattern. Lorem ipsum is faux text designers use to fill copy space until the final edit is ready, one of those little things only another designer would get. Love it!

Ladies, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. If you’re looking for a ladylike way to sport your nerdery, check out these necklaces from Baby Loves Pink (above) and Baubles by Jill (below).

Of course, since old-school is the new cool, no nerdery would be complete without custom letterpress stationery. Pick up these cards featuring an awesome glasses illustration in the shop!

glasses_4585

Whatever you do, make 2012 the year you own your nerdiness. You are who you are, you like what you like, and those you love will love you for it.

1) Open mouth. 2) Insert foot.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all done or said something that frankly made us feel like an ass. Whether you need to point out someone else’s misstep or apologize for your own actions, these quirky notecards are the perfect way to bring a little humor to the situation. Who can stay mad when you send a card with a donkey on it?

Available individually or as a set. [And did I make these miniature versions the perfect size to tuck into the windshield of that fancy car straddling two spaces in the overcrowded parking lot? Maybe…]