They knew what it would look like. These were visual people. The design was simple: really big type that almost filled the page that read “I promise I will never use Hobo, Comic Sans, or Papyrus ever again.”  The ink was black. They all saw the red, monochromatic Nine Inch Nails poster. They must have realized exactly what it would look like. Right? But still, after we pulled the squeegee and removed the print from the table, the crowd gathered around the temporary screen printing press responded with a collective “oooooooo! wow!”  That is why I enjoy doing workshops like the one I just did in Miami last week. There’s a moment of surprise and discovery that the participants experience that’s very rewarding to witness. Pulling a print of your own with this old school process connects the designer to the printed page unlike the usual pixel pushing we do all day long.

The very cool and gracious folks from AIGA Miami invited me to participate in Parallels: a series of events in which presenters with similar disciplines come together and make a presentation and discuss the evening’s topic. This Parallels was called Pull + Ink and also included the talented and oh-so knowledgeable Chuck and Ian from Iron Forge Press. It took place at the Art Center of South Florida on Lincoln Road in South Beach. The turn out was great. My demonstration went until almost 10pm. I actually think we may have overstayed our welcome a bit. The folks from AIGA Miami were very gracious. And, oh, those damn Thai donuts. So good.

Ian Rowan and Chuck Loose of Iron Forge Press.