R Y O N /// E D W A R D S

Type Observed: Hobo

2012-01-16T11:20:00.001-05:00

I see the typeface “Hobo” in a lot of different places — labels, signs, posters, logos – the list goes on. I once thought that this was one of the ugliest type designs out there, but I now realize that it’s not the design itself, or even the terrible name — it’s mostly because of how it’s used and misused. Of all the type crimes out there (thank you Ellen Lupton: http://www.thinkingwithtype.com/contents/extras/#Type_Crimes), you’ll often find Hobo as a nearby accomplice. And I’ve certainly made my jokes about this “awful” typeface over the years, but once I studied the origin and the history of this design, I’ve become much less critical.
Stylistically, Hobo looks like something crafted from 1970′s, but was actually designed in 1910 towards the end of the Art Noveau Movement. It was designed by Morris Fuller Benton, one of America’s most prolific typeface designers. After closer examination, the letters are actually well-proportioned (when typeset properly) — every part of each letter is curved, which gives it a decorative effect, but with a modern twist. It’s lowercase letters are unique — descenders that do not drop below the baseline. Yeah, it’s weird — but it’s designed to be a display type. Fairly progressive for 1910, considering that most typography from that period was very decorative and ornate.

So I’m no longer a Hobo-hater. I just hate seeing it being misused.

Note: If you’ve seen examples of Hobo type out there (good or bad), please send some pics my way – I’m starting a collection of images and would love to include yours! Thanks.

Soda Wars

2011-12-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

Looks like Coke has held up a little better than Pepsi. Wait, is that an ashtray in the middle?

The Rural Route

2011-12-04T23:39:00.003-05:00

Traveling the backroads of our state is a visual treat for me — I'd choose that over the I-XX Interstate any day, assuming time allows (which isn't often). I suppose that many prefer to haul-ass down the interstate, with the only priority being their ETA. But isn't it nice to slow down a bit and soak in some of the rural areas and the small towns along the way? There are untold stories and unknown history. Old buildings and new neighborhoods. Abandoned warehouses and rejuvenated businesses. Communities that are close-knit and neighborly. Sometimes, you see things that appear so out of place in our modern, connected world, yet connected in a more human way. Here are a few shots from my day trip not far from home (which included a bike purchase and a great mountain bike ride at Lynch's Woods Park in Newberry, SC).

I love the hand-painted, unintentional layered type.

Specialized Stumpjumper Comp and SE Racing OM Flyer.

My favorite shot.

Nice rusty patina on this old gas station sign.

This just seemed right in sepia tone/black and white.

Somewhere along the way (Kinard)

Beautiful homesite with nice pecan trees.

Riding at Lynch's Woods Park in Newberry, SC (Part of the Palmetto Trail)

Panoramic shot of the Park (using Photosynth app).

Christmas Parade in Prosperity.

Prosperity, SC

SE Racing OM Flyer.

Pacer for Sale

2011-11-30T22:29:00.001-05:00

IMG_2575, originally uploaded by ⊹⊹⊹wryonedwards⊹⊹⊹.

Color wheels

2011-11-15T22:17:00.001-05:00

Experimental illustration with cut paper, pen and ink and found objects.

There's a story behind that.

2011-11-01T08:09:00.000-05:00

While stopped at an intersection recently, my eye was drawn toward a helical red and blue striped sign that we all recognize as the barber's sign — the archetypal spinning sign mounted to the facade of the modest building. It made me wonder about the history and the meaning behind that design and intrigued me enough to do further research. I remember reading about the symbolism of that design years ago, but couldn't remember all of the gory details. Looking at the object in isolation seems like a strange and unusual object, but when you understand the origin and meaning, it all makes sense.

Back in the day, barbers used to perform medical procedures, including tooth extractions and bloodletting services. Apparently, they would hang the bloody bandages on a pole outside to dry and the wind would wrap the bandages around the pole. Yes, disturbing, but we’re talking the Middle Ages here. The pole represents the staff that was used for the patient to grip to encourage blood flow. The color red is symbolic for arterial blood, blue represents venous blood and the white symbolizes the bandages. It’s also possible that the blue was added when the signs were used in the United States, to honor the national colors. It's interesting how universal and immediately recognizable this design has become over many centuries in many cultures.

But a note of caution: If you’re in certain parts of Asia, the barber's pole design could be used to advertise and disguise a completely different type of business establishment, but I’ll steer clear of that story.

CreateAthon begins!

2011-09-15T08:26:00.001-05:00

CreateAthon www.riggs-createathon.com/ is our once a year, 24-hour, work-around-the-clock creative marathon during which we provide nonprofit marketing and design services on a pro bono basis. Let the work begin! Check out the video that Emulsion Arts (Charlotte, NC) made for the event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBuhuaf4d1s

Sears 5-speed Restoration

2011-08-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

Update: Restoration is on! Stripped down to frame, cleaned, polished in every nook and crevice. New wheels, new tubes, tires, cables, brake pads, grips, derailluer, etc, etc. Keeping it classic and keeping the chrome.

American Pickers?

2011-08-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

Seen on I-26 W the other day. I'd love to meet the owners.

Protect Antarctica Poster

2011-07-28T16:58:00.003-05:00

Poster I designed to support scientific research and preservation of Antarctica and its habitat. Specifically for Dean Schuster of www.truematter.com, who is running a marathon in Antarctica for the cause: Check it out at http://runningwithpenguins.com/

Project Bike - Sears 5-speed

2011-06-01T22:59:00.002-05:00

My latest project bike — I love the classic styling and modern graphics on this bike. Bonus that it's green and it's made in Austria (probably by Puch). Trying to decide whether this should be a Fixie conversion or a restore to original? These pictures don't illustrate how much work this bike will need.

After five months of on-and-off work, lots of elbow grease and finding just the right parts, it's complete!

The restored 5-speed below:

New wheelset, tires, tubes, derauiller (Simplex), new vintage styled seat, recycled cork/rubber grips, new left brake lever, brake pads and all cables. Ready to hit the street!

“Amper-what?”: the origin of a symbol

2011-05-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

For a recent naming assignment we were working on, the “@” symbol and the “&” symbol came up in conversation. I’ve always loved the typographic character of the “and” symbol, known as the ampersand. The symbol is one of the oldest alphabetic abbreviations and dates back to Roman times. It evolved from the Latin word et, which means and. If you’ve ever noticed elaborate (italic) styles of ampersands, the Et letterforms are quite visible in the design. Ampersands were traditionally used for display (larger) work, as opposed to smaller, longer format texts, so the designs were more creative and elaborate. Over time, and with the creation of modern sans-serif styles, the symbol has become simplified and less ornate.

Missy, the mysterious and the mischievous.

2011-03-28T20:36:00.002-05:00

Random sketches, drawings and photos of Missy the mysterious feline.

Welcome Spring.

2011-03-20T20:46:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful first day of Spring. I observed the bluebirds gathering nesting materials for their new home and cardinals perching on the Coral Bark Japanese Maple (and hanging out in the Wax Myrtles). Here's a couple of illustrations and the photos I took that inspired the drawings.

Clean lines and color

2011-03-10T00:45:00.001-05:00

Art Metal Co. Office chair. ca. 1970? Original upholstery and vinyl piping. I need to do a little more research into this chair and the manufacturer.

The comfort level has been debatable around the office. The place of I found it also has been somewhat controversial. But I like it. Clean lines, nice geometry, great color and not that uncomfortable!

SE Racing 2009 Lager SS

2011-02-07T23:30:00.001-05:00

SE Racing Lager single speed.

Hot or Cold?

1966 Olympia DeLuxe Typewriter

2011-01-03T23:07:00.001-05:00

My latest obsession: old typewriters. Specifically, this 1966 Olympia DeLuxe manual typewriter in MINT condition. This beautiful example of German engineering is evident in every keystroke, in every mechanical movement and in every sound that you hear when the metal script letters strike the paper and the roller beneath. Bonus: this typewriter is portable and requires no electricity. The script type that this machine renders is exquisite, especially when examined closely. Which makes me think that a revival of this Olympia DeLuxe Script could be an exciting type project in the very near future. Stay tuned and keep typing!

Flat Out Strangers Logo

2010-10-04T20:32:00.015-05:00

You know about the Flat Out Strangers, right? Well, if not, that's OK. They're the South's most dangerous, mysterious, yet most-revered rockabilly/country/americana/bluegrass bands around. Don't just take my word for it - listen at www.myspace.com/flatoutstrangers or visit their new site at www.flatoutstrangers.com. It's great to see these guys doing well — I remember the neighborhood gigs that scared the living daylights out of the neighbors, the live and rockin' recording at "Jake's Fill Er Up" (which proved to the world that they are the bada**es of Rockabilly), to the shows at Doc's Gumbo Grill and many others. These guys are original as they come, and they needed a design that reflected that. Something mysterious, something bold, yet timeless. Tall order, but a great challenge. Here's where I started:

A rough sketch below: Letterforms that have character - something that looked from the late 1800's, but with a modern twist. Hand-drawn and hand-crafted. A few embellishments here and there, but not too ornamental or too decorative. A touch of the Old West, a hint of the eclectic, a good dose of authenticity.

Refinement on the letterforms and the individual swashes:

And the final:

And an avatar/monogram design:

Check ’em out at their next show or become a fan on Facebook:

http://tinyurl.com/2ffn66e

Hold My Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish, performed by The Benedict Colle...

2010-08-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

"Double"

2010-07-23T15:22:00.010-05:00

A little illustration I did for Illustration Friday (a weekly illustration challenge), based on the single word "double". This double used to be a triple. Be happy with a double. Don't be greedy.

Creatures Observed - Backyard 6/21/10

2010-06-22T20:30:00.007-05:00

I couldn't get a good shot of the chicks, so I decided to do a quick sketch instead.
Update: As of June 27, the chicks are not in nest. Hopefully, they have flown the coop successfully. After some research, I've found that these birds love to eat bees and wasps! After they shred the stingers off, of course.

Tanager nest - three chicks spotted in nest yesterday. Hopefully more photos to come.

Male Tanager checking out the activity surrounding the nest.

Female Tanager tending the nest. She's a beautiful yellow-green.

I'm outta here!

Common box turtle that visited, but that had no patience for my observation.

Red daylily

Reddish Stag Beetle: This guy was cool - and surprisingly pretty mellow. I'm happy that the image shows off the color and texture of the exterior shell.

OK, not looking that mellow here.

Copywriter and proofreader needed

2010-04-22T18:43:00.001-05:00

IMG_1920_d&d, originally uploaded by wryonedwards.

if…

2010-04-19T21:22:00.004-05:00

Sometimes things appear in the most unexpected places. If this had been more obvious, it would have jumped out of the water and bit me. Which is something that crossed my mind while paddling down the calm Cedar Creek in the Congaree National Park/Swamp. We saw 300-year old bald cypress trees and tupelos, dragonflys, fishing spiders, jumping fish, and numerous snakes. Will and I paddled a little too close to a brown water snake that was hanging out on a branch above. A little too close for me, but we gently cruised on by and all was well.

But seeing this word appearing out of the water is what made the trip even better. A slanted lower case “i” (complete with the dot) and a perfectly positioned upper case “F”. Perfect. And living there in perfect harmony in nature as if it were asking us to complete the sentence. iF ...

Maybe you had to be there, but for me, it was fantastic. I've been trying to complete the sentence ever since.

Thanks to Jeff McGurk for the shot for me (and for organizing the trip). Let's go back soon and see what else we can discover.

Persuasive Design from Mr. Albers

2010-01-11T23:38:00.011-05:00

Persuasive Percussion Volume 3 was created and produced by Enoch Light and was released by Command Records in 1960. I believe it is the final album produced of the series. The far-out, stereophonic sound is pretty groovy and the recording is a great listen — an “ear-opening” experience.

But I must confess — I love this album more for the design and typography. I found this album at a Goodwill store a couple of years ago and was drawn in by the elegant design. I immediately saw that is was designed by none other than Josef Albers, the well-known Bauhaus artist and designer, who came to the US in the 1940’s and taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. He and his wife Ani then moved on to New Haven, CT where Albers became the head of the Design Department at Yale University in the ’50s. He is known as an accomplished painter, designer, typographer, printmaker and poet.

This cover design perfectly represents what you can expect on the album — modern, experimental sounds that are timeless; musical compositions that will delight the listener. The design uses many elements in such a powerful way: order, contrast, tension, balance, scale, space, shape and color. It is well thought out and meticulously crafted. It certainly conveys the mood and style of the album, which makes me think about how similar music and design are, and how they share many elements. It also reminds me how important it is for design to reflect content, not the other way around.

Thank you Mr. Albers, for the inspiration. I'm off to look for Volume 1 and 2.

The only thing that bugs me about the cover is the excessive space between “Persuasive” and “Percussion”. Unless the intention was to lead your eye down into the design. Hmmm.

Shameless self-promotion — right there in 18pt type. Bold. Caps.

I really like the script type here. Beautiful!

New Project: Schwinn 10 speed

2009-11-09T23:10:00.006-05:00

Proud owner (Larry Thacker) of newly refurbed Schwinn World Tourist. Thanks for the Fat Tire, LT!

OK, this one needed some help. Pretty rusty, but a great find from my buddy Larry who found this at His House for $10 about a year ago. This is a c. 1982 Schwinn Women's World Tourist 27" 10-speed that with a little TLC will be road-worthy (assuming the rusty spokes will hold up). Things in question other than the spokes: 25 year old brake pads, a rusty derailler cable that may decide not to change gears all of a sudden. I did install a new rear brake cable, so at least you will have rear brakes. All front brakes is never recommended, as you can find out why in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0W25KVJ7qc

I hope this bike finds many years of enjoyment, as it is quite comfortable (assuming you stay on a smooth road) Riding down my gravel driveway was a different story. The gears shifted fine, the brakes are adequate (needs new pads) and seat is only semi-comfortable.

But for a nice neighborhood ride, this bike will do a fine job.

Ride On.

Ride On. Beach.

2009-11-09T22:12:00.004-05:00

New design for beach cruiser enthusiasts. Ride On.

Study of composition, color and context

2009-11-02T21:55:00.005-05:00

Schwinn Cruiser Project

2009-09-09T19:23:00.005-05:00

I found this beauty last week at the local thrift shop — It was begging for a good home, and it could use some TLC. A great bike to have at the office for grabbing lunch, cruising around the ’169. Maybe a nice ride to Publix or library if someone is feeling adventurous.

This bike's a little rusty in some spots, but overall not in bad shape. I would guess this bike is from late ’70s/early ’80s.

The immediate needs:

• chain - 1/2 x 1/8 -

• tires - must be whitewalls - 26 x 2.125

• fresh tubes

• grips - may get some donor grips I have laying around, but these here would be swell:

http://www.chubbyscruisers.com/shop/wood-grain-style-grips-p-349.html

Update 10/12/09
Top photo is newly refurbished ride.

Ride On. Ride On. Ride On.

2009-08-17T22:27:00.007-05:00

With biking in my blood, I had a thought about how to promote cycling in the city, in the state, even nationally — some sort of social awareness campaign to encourage the activity. Road, Mountain and Hybrid. Bumper stickers seems like a logical item to start with, but I can envision t-shirts and ... Facebook, bike shops, X-games, Tour de France... Ahhhh! Look out for bumper stickers in the near future. Ride On.

Typeface: Co Headline by Dalton Maag

Vintage Stereos Rock the House

2009-08-03T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have a weakness for all things old and for all things audio-related. So when a buddy offered this vintage Sansui 5000A receiver/amp (c. 1969), I got pretty excited. I have fond memories of playing with my Dad's Marantz tuner/amp and Dual turntable back in the ’70s, with all the cool knobs and controls that clicked ever so perfectly, with that solid feel that you just don't see in electronics today. This Sansui is built well, and is a beast at 40 pounds. It packs 55 wpc, which sounds like a lightweight compared to current models, but I think wattage today is way overated in many of today's consumer brands. I took the Sansui into Maunz Electronics for a new power switch, and just got it back the other day. I hooked it up to the beautiful vintage Panasonic RD-7703 turntable that came with the Sansui (thanks, Rob!), and put on The Rolling Stones “More Hot Rocks” album from 1972. Apparently, this unit could use a new stylus, so I'm on the lookout for a replacement. Meanwhile, I'm using my old Sony PS-LX 150H turntable (that is about 20 years old, but 20 years newer than the Panasonic).

Next, I will be adding some new bookshelf speakers, to replace DBX (30 year old sub/sat system). I'm considering the Athena Technologies 150W AS B2.2's. Every review I've read is very positive and they are very reasonably priced.

By the way, The Who's “Hooligans” album sounds pretty good, even on my dbx speakers. Other albums so far enjoyed: Eric Clapton's “461 Ocean Boulevard” 1974, Sly and the Family Stone's “Stand!” from 1969, Queen's “Jazz” from 1978 and Roberta Flack's “First Take” from 1969.

What was this guy smokin?

2009-07-23T22:31:00.007-05:00

I love signs — they inform us, direct us, alert us, and many times simply entertain us, as in this case. I shot this several years ago and came across the image recently. It's always been one of my favorites, primarily because of the story behind it.

After I talked to the owner about this sign, he acknowledged the misspelling and told me that they sent the sign painter back to redo the sign because the first sign that was delivered was spelled “NO SMOKIN” (which generally would fly here in the South). He explained to the sign painter that it needed a G on the end to be correct. So the painter went back to his shop and delivered a brand new sign, with a great-looking G on the end, with even better letterspacing than before. Unfortunately, not enough attention paid to the entire word. Which leaves me to wonder how many times do we become so focused or worried on solving a small issue or problem, and still end up missing the big picture?

2009-07-18T21:11:00.002-05:00

Personal illustration.

Vaughn's BBQ Poster

2009-07-13T22:44:00.004-05:00

Poster and handout cards for Vaughn's Barbeque, a recipe that has been in the Vaughn family since 1934. The sauce offers a rich sweet and sour flavor, and lends itself to many possibilities — pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, and more. For an upcoming food trade show, we created a poster and different cards for each type of meat, which spoke directly to the versatility of the sauce. We substituted the word meat with the illustrations, and played up the existing tagline, “Pleasuring Meat Since 1934”. Check out this sauce at www.vaughnsbbq.com.

Vaughn's Handout Detail

2009-07-13T22:40:00.003-05:00

Vaughn's Promo Cards

2009-07-13T22:35:00.002-05:00

Black Bottom Biscuits CD “Ain't No Kinda Blue”

2009-07-13T22:26:00.008-05:00

I recently designed the CD package for the Black Bottom Biscuits, a local country/bluegrass band based here in Columbia. Album is "Ain't No Kinda Blue", and George Fulton did an awesome job interpreting that title for the cover shot.

Old family recipe books from the ’40s and ’50s provided some great inspiration for the interior and influenced much of the interior booklet design, complete with hand-written recipes, aged paper textures and color palette.

Check out the Biscuits at http://www.blackbottombiscuits.com

2009-07-12T22:25:00.002-05:00

Poster design for the Black Bottom Biscuits. This was for their performance in West Columbia for "The Rhythm on the River" series.

2007-02-16T21:39:00.001-05:00

I love the color, the squiggly lines in the type, and the style of arrow. This was shot in Rome, GA.

Even Snowmen Get the Blues

2007-02-15T21:52:00.001-05:00

2007-02-14T14:27:00.000-05:00