DESCRIPTION A-Z Poster DATE September 2009 DESIGN CREDITS The Best Part, Jason Dean PRINT CREDITS Designers' Press

QUANTITY PRODUCED 1,000 (500 on each paper color) PRODUCTION COST $2,800 PRODUCTION TIME 1 week DIMENSIONS: WIDTH × HEIGHT × DEPTH 18 in × 24 in PRINT METHOD Foil stamping PAPER STOCK 100 lb. French Pop-Tone, Whip Cream and Black Licorice NUMBER OF COLORS 1 spot ink (per paper color) OTHER Emboss

Observing pop culture is a big part of our job description as graphic designers. What we decide to do with that information is up to each one of us individually--how we process that information and how we chose to share our opinion in the en varies greatly. Jason Dean designed a poster that encompasses his latest interest and observations on the subject:

I'm very interested in pop culture, especially in the way that corporate culture has crept into our daily lives. Practically everything, including brands that we might think are mom-and-pop operations, is either owned or at least sponsored in one way or another by the top 1% "Mega-Corps" of America. Being a designer who is often employed by these companies, I am at once repelled by some of their social responsibility as well as in awe of their incredible branding initiatives, marketing and overall public image know-how. For example, I'm sure Paul Rand would be aghast at what happened at Enron, but his work for them has surely stood the test of time, and while his logo may now be a symbol of corporate greed, it's no less beautiful or functional as a design object. This is the fine line between art, daily life and corporate culture that I'm exploring. Branding and corporate culture have become so pervasive that I sometimes wonder: will these be the symbols that our children's children equate with these letters, rather than apple, ball, cat and dog?

Using two colored papers from French Paper, Jason set out to produce this poster without using ink--with embossing and foil stamping in mind he set to work. He has now partnered with Mechline in order to sell his posters which are available in gold/cream or silver/licorice.

Very nice work, love the look of the foil stamping for this. The VW logo was also very clever to keep the 5x5 grid all lined up.

I agree, the VW was a nice touch. My only real complaint is that the "O" is the Target logo, and not an "O". Every other mark on here seems to use familiar logotypes...except that one.

I was wondering if you had any legal issues with reprinting company's logos and making a profit from them? Aren't they trademarked? Can you talk about aspect?

Love the poster, beautiful work!

Cool, reminiscent of Heidy Cody's American Alphabet: http://www.heidicody.com/

Heather...Yes, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that's a concern. However, this is art, and I'm not ready to concede that it's illegal for me to do what I've done. I think there's a fairly decent precedent that exists for this sort of thing, but I can't be worried about that. When I have an idea, I have to get it out and not be paralyzed by fear of lawyers. If I get myself into a Shepard Fairey situation, so be it. I donate to plenty of organizations that would be happy to help defend my rights as an artist. Anyway, hope that answers your questions. Glad you like the end result!

Anyone know where the R is from?

Rayban

A trademarked logo can be used under fair use for non-profit proposes. If you are profiting from other people's works than you are in the moral and legal wrong and you should stop immediately before you get into any trouble.

If you are simply exhibiting this work with no intention of profiting from these trademarked logos, and not making slanderous claims about the companies you depict, there is very little legal precedent for any action against you. Fair use and parody law is on your side.

Can't figure out what the "L" is from!

@ernie.: http://tinyurl.com/lillycorp (Eli Lilly and Co.)

Where is the "P" from?

Paramount.

Awesome poster.. me want!... question: what is the "a" of?

The "a" is ABC, (american broadcasting co.) This is why every poster comes with an answer key!

That certainly does sound like a trademark/copyright infringement.

I doubt any of them will care, though, unless this becomes some sort of runaway pop-culture sensation. And at that point, it would probably be a bad PR move for them do take action.

Although it would be ironic, since silly lawsuits are also very American, and the whole experience can be seen as it's own art project...

Note: Just because these guys are "big bad corporations" does not mean I condone illegal copyright infringement (if this is). As a designer, I want to protect my work, too, and I can definitely understand the original creators of those logos getting upset over you making $50 on their work.

That said, it is a nice poster, and I love the foil stamping. :)

I've seen this done before, but still...a very good job.