Josh Sager Media: Creative Technologies Blog

Four trips to AIR, 10 transparencies, and one month later I’ve finally done it.  My first two color screen printed poster.  The final count of “good” prints are still being tallied. Honestly I’m not too concerned.  It was a great learning experience and that was worth all of the mistakes, redos, and spilled ink.  There’s just something great about producing something tangible.  A big thanks to Hannah and Jen over at AIR. You ladies are the BEST!

2010 is going to be a big year for personal projects with screen printing at the top of my priority list.  A few years back I was introduced to the wonderful world of screen printing and gig art. Although I’m captured by the art and the process I’ve been really hesitant.  Armed with a moleskin book chalked full of notes and the wonderful people at AIR I’ve been making amazing progress.  Later on this week I’ll be finishing my first larger run of a 8.5 x 11 posters.  It’s a very humbling yet rewarding process.  I highly recommend it to anyone.  I’ll post pictures of the print when it’s ready.

Tonight was the big screen printing adventure.  As mentioned before, the last time I tried this it was a huge failure.  So big in fact I think it was on the fail blog for like 10 weeks straight.

Jim Dandies Screen Printed Cards

Anyway I was very nervous about messing up, but in the end it all worked out.  I went in with a simple game plan.  Take it slow and keep it simple. That was just what the doctor ordered. Before I knew it I had about 30 cards printed and people were walking up to me and giving me props on my work. Totally awesome!!!

I went with a one color design and I doubled up on my acetate. A co-worker of mine suggested I do that and he was right on the money. So all of your Pittsburgher’s out there that want something cool to do on a Tuesday night.  Check out AIR.  I did all of this for only $5.

I’m already thinking about doing a 2-color print.  Ohh the possibilities.

Tomorrow I’m attempting another screen printing project. I’m still a rookie, but I’m falling in love with it.  This will only be my second one and I’ve got high hope for it.  My first project didn’t quite turn out. You could say I was a little too ambitious and tried a three color poster.  Whoops.  Live and learn right?

So I’m giving it another shot.  I’m so fascinated with the process and the beauty in a well produced screen print.

Hopefully I’ll kill two birds with one stone by making cards to promote my band.  Only one color this time.  Oh and it’s a lot smaller than an 11 X 14 poster.  I’m shooting for a 4.5 X 6 card. Something really simple.  Just the logo and our web address. Nothing too ambitious… well that’s how it started out.

As I was prepping the file, my evil creative side kicked in.  I tried to fight it, but pandora was rockn’ out and the next thing I knew I had 3 options.  After some great advice from Rach I’m actually going to use my 3rd option.  So I guess I’m that evil. But you can be the judge of that and check em out for yourself.

Card Option 1 - Simple yet awesome

Card Option 2 - Cute yet kinda creepy

Card Option 3 - That's just too much fun to pass up