My Summer Lair Chapter #38: Have You Ever Overlooked The Discrete Beauty of Junk?
Oh man I was beyond excited to have Aaron Draplin visit My Summer Lair.
Aaron Draplin is a freshtastic graphic designer; the founder of Draplin Design Co. (DDC) based in Portland (the Nikey one). He’ll be speaking in Toronto on April 22nd at a FITC workshop: Make The Logo You Always Wanted To Make. Go…this is so so so #Pantsworthy.
I dig his straightforward approach…in his work and enjoy the unvarnished way he talks. If you’re heard him on WTF with Marc Maron or consumed his talks you know what I mean; he’s gregarious, generous and equally important…good.
See for yourself: Pretty Much Everything a mid-career survey of his work includes case studies and marvelous advice was released in May 2016 (The Very Best of Herb Alpert is one of the greatest hits names for a collection of utter delight, hah! And Pretty Much reminds me of that.) Highly recommended book. Highlights include but are not limited to Nike, album covers for bands and the Obama Administration.
It was his Obama work that ended up framing our discussion…as now we’ve transitioned to President Trump and all the complex emotions that generates. Understandably in response to President Trump Aaron is grappling with his responsibility as an American, his duty as a human being…especially to other human beings and his role as a graphic designer. He’s angry and inspired; which oddly forms a fertile soil.
That soil is where we get our best punk bands. And with all the tools and talents in Aaron’s arsenal I’ve no doubt he’ll be able to fashion a valid and bold response. Hashtags are digital bumper stickers…they’re always gonna fall short; only useful for social acceptance not social change. Change is a verb and requires a physical effort and it always starts with dynamic leadership. Leadership is ultimately about vision…what do you see when you close your eyes? The best movements; the ones that last and have a deep and powerful impact have excellent graphic design.
I dunno if this is a new direction for Aaron or the same path he’s always been on however I’ve looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. And, of course…seeking any unique opportunities for me to contribute.
Oh and not to worry…we happily get into music. And Field Notes (I use Field Notes at part of my Girth Radio work). And The Shawshank Redemption. Like the best dinner conversations we oscillate from the serious to the silly.
Aaron Draplin @ W • T • F
Host Sammy Younan
Recorded: Friday February 17, 2017 at 6:00pm
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