DESCRIPTION Graphic Arts Studio Poster (1 of 4) CLIENT Graphic Arts Studio DATE January – April, 2009 DESIGN CREDITS Design: Bob Faust Production: Jason Walzer Inspiration: Sally Faust Poster Series Concept: Thirst PRINT CREDITS Printing: Graphic Arts Studio Embossing: Delta Press TYPE CREDITS Akkurat

QUANTITY PRODUCED 500 PRODUCTION COST $3,700 PRODUCTION TIME 2 weeks DIMENSIONS: WIDTH × HEIGHT × DEPTH 24 in × 36 in PRINT METHOD Offset PAPER STOCK Astrolite, White, Smooth, 80 lb Cover NUMBER OF COLORS 6 spot OTHER Embossing

When their old time client, Graphic Arts Studio, wanted to promote their new 6-color press, as well as establish themselves as a design-conscious business, 3st's Rick Valicenti suggested to create a poster series with other Chicago-based design firms. 3st, Studio Blue, Legendre+Rutter and, featured here today, Faust Ltd. designed a vivid set of posters with all the accouterments of a print promotion piece. Bob Faust, explains their idea:

While we were discussing the project the idea of actually using the press process as part of the design process was brought up and the "Design on press" theme was born. I was exploring some strobing op art ideas at the time because my wife had just been diagnosed with vertigo and couldn't stand up without spinning. I was trying to find ways to make the ink spin and move on the page through optical illusion and had some mild success but ultimately bagged that idea for what we ended up with. It just seemed a more pure thought and was more directly typographic. It was also very complicated without trying too hard, which made it perfect to me. I also thought it might make the self-proclaimed king of "More is More" (Rick) smile.

The vertiginous design was complemented with a sweet embossing of the words design/press (it takes a keen eye to see both words) and it really gives this poster serious depth. On the genesis of the embossing Bob explains:

As for the emboss, I actually wrestled with the idea. I thought it might steal from the purity of the piece and was a bit afraid the registration could be an issue. But with some encouragement from the printer I did it, and am very happy to have added that level. No pun intended. Well maybe.

This poster (or any of the other three) are available for request from the Graphic Arts Studio web site.

WOW, this poster is awesome. Makes me very dizzy!

Woah. One of my favs on FPO. Makes my eyeballs do the pee-pee dance!

Clever, I guess, but I hate it.

Meg
Thanks...and it's easier to deal with than chronic vertigo.

Dan
Thanks...though I am not sure what the pee-pee dance is, I bet I would like it.

S&C
Thanks...gut reactions are always welcome!

I really love it. Depending on where my eyes land, I feel relaxed and contemplative or motivated and ready to move. Great work.

Beautiful! Has an interesting old/retro look and a high tech computer look at the same time. I actually find it soothing to look at.

love it!

Wow, that is stunning. I could never have this on my wall though. I get migraines and looking at that brings on the flashing lights faster than you can say "vertiginous"! Great stuff.

Awesome

Need to get this in a wallpaper...

A poster should be less about technique and more about an opinion and an idea. Like this poster.

Buck Wild! I just ordered one from GAS.

I love the idea of wallpaper that can:
make you dizzy
make you do the Pee-Pee dance
make you love and hate
make you contemplate and motivate
soothe and bring on migraines

But not sure where I'd use it.

Yann, I love that poster too. But wonder why you imply mine is void of idea. The concept seems clear through the title and typography as well as the illustration effect. Regardless, please keep in mind client purpose and goals when making an implication such as yours. We need to remember this poster's goal is to sell the technical abilities of a new press as well as the artistry of its pressmen. With that in mind, technique is an integral component of the concept.

Bob, it's nothing personal to you. I only say what I think about posters. But I am a little surprise that you say "thanks" to someone who says they "hate it" but for me, you think I am not supposed to make "implications" about the concept. I did not say that you were using only a printing "technique" but was looking at the visual technique, which I did not find working perfectly for this idea. It is very subtle, which for me is against the nature of the best posters. Of course the client wants to use their printing press and new techniques. I respect the effort of your poster.

I love it. It makes my eyes want to die, but I love it.

really nice, but makes my eyes water.

That embossed shot you have up there makes it look great. Nice choice on adding the extra detail. It makes a lot of sense in regard to the type of project this is.

I'm definitely a fan of 'seemingly' simple (I'm sure it wasn't) typographic treatments... especially in poster format. It just seems to nail home a solid idea and feeling instantly.

Though I agree with the migraine comment.. I can't stop looking. I think I going to have to order a copy despite the pain.

wow,
this is great - although I'm nauseous now for as long as I looked at it..

Can anyone point me to a tutorial or help me learn how to create that type of optical illusion of the poster? That crazy effect.

I would love to get one if I'm not so broke.

Eye-boggling!

Unfortunatly I've seen this exact thing before. It was on a glass cleening colth that you get with a pair of ted baker glasses. it said "No Dirty Looks" still a nice piece of print though!!

That was really quite useful information and I have already decided to use it for reference purpose, thank you very much.