Production Junction

So my friends over at GRID Magazine contacted me. They were in need of new counter top displays and distribution racks for their publication. The problem was, they needed them to be really durable, as well as functional. All while giving them a unique visual appeal to set them apart from the crowd.

    The Problem: I needed to come up with two designs that would look great, give GRID the image it wants AND do the job. They needed to be constructed out of wood and metal. Plus, they need to be reproducible.

    Design #1: The Counter Top Display needed to be really appealing and built solid. That way if it falls or gets knocked over, it doesn't break. Also, it needs to showcase the magazine well when it's on display.

    Design #2: The Distribution Rack also needed to be really appealing and built solid. Hold as many magazines as possible, without looking over burdened. All while trying to compete with other more mainstream publication racks.

After coming up with several design options for each and some deliberation with the folks at Grid...Alex, Claire, Jaime and I chose two designs that we thought would work best. Once those decisions were made...fabrication and production began.

Here is a glimpse at the production line.

  

 

Here is the Solution for Design Problem #1: The Counter Top Display. It utilizes a grid-like pattern made of steel with a knockout for the logo. Paired to a wood back and base. It is quite durable and has some weight to it for stability.

Here is the Solution for Design Problem #2: The Distribution Rack. It utilizes a three tiered vertical slot design. In order to showcase the logo multiple times when the rack is full with publications. Also, it gives it some dynamic appeal rather than a purely static, repetitive feel. The rack has a bottom shelf as well. This bottom shelf is for storing a fresh supply of magazines to replenish the upper tiers. This enables the rack to hold as many magazines as possible without over-burdening the "display" area of the Rack.

Overall, this project went really well. I'm very happy with the outcome of the designs and the quality of production. My friends over at GRID are thrilled as well and they were a pleasure to work with. Go pick up the latest copy now and let me know what you think of their new digs. 

EA-

Eye Candy Anyone?

I've had another request for eye appealing security windows. Eye Candy's Tim Sagges gave me a call with the question: "Can you do window bars that don't look like window bars?". I love a good challenge. "Of course I can."

See, Tim just expanded his small business from one store, to two. He recently opened a store in Liberties Walk, An ever growing entity in Northern Liberties, and he wants to protect his investment with class. He needs security bars across his six window storefront.

Tim, had shown me some examples of what he had seen and what he liked, colors, etc., then we went from there. With a little thought, some design time and a little artistic license, I came up with a set of drawings.


I went with a Mondrian style grid pattern. It's has a light feel, a flowing pattern and some style. This way the store has security with a sense of design, that overshadows the actual "window bars". They will also appear less static due to the hierarchy in grid pattern, giving an air of movement.


Tim liked the design... Yee-haw! That's cowboy for: Awesome! Now I just needed to figure out how to make it. Sometimes it's hard to translate a drawing into actual procedure. That definitely was the hardest part of this project. But, I figured it out and came up with a plan of action.

I wound up using 1 1/4" x 1/8" flat steel as the main material. Then, I laid out each window design with a grid pattern on my welding table. With the pattern set, I cut each piece to length, then actually slotted all the intersections. It was a little time consuming (maybe a little more than I would have liked), but the outcome was exactly what I wanted. Check it out.

After many, many hours and once again, lots of coffee... the process was dialed and the fabrication was complete. I slapped on a couple coats of color-matched paint and called it a day. I'm proud to say this one is a success. Take a look at the finished work.

Hey look, there's Tim.

The store looks great. The windows look great. Tim's Happy. I'm Happy. Another great project completed. So, if you want a closer look, go to the store and see for yourself.
EA-

Rays of Sunshine in the City

My Friend Ben needed some much needed protection for his basement windows. However, he didn't want it to look that way. So, I needed to make it functional, all while keeping it feeling positive.

After some thought and using an old railing that he had salvaged, we came up with a design that will do just that. It's nice to make something that hopefully will add some cheer and a feeling of security.
"What is it?" you ask.

A sunrise for a new day.

Those wavy pieces came from a railing that was about 80 yrs. old and destined for the scrap heap. It was satisfying to reuse them and I feel the final form is pleasing to the eye.
EA-

p.s.- some pics of the painted(most likely a much brighter color) and installed window's will be posted soon.

Blacksmithery...Why the Hell not?

My friend Beth, who is a wood worker, asked me if I could make a specific wood turning tool for her. See she needed a tool for turning out wooden bowls, cups, etc. After showing me a picture of what she needed, I agreed to think about it.

Having never really attempted this before, I was a little apprehensive about the whole process. See, Blacksmithery, is the process of forging iron or steel into objects. This is done by using tools to hammer, bend or cut the metal while extremely hot. This seemed to be a daunting task, but what the hell, I'll give it a shot.

First, I needed a proper hammer, to figure out my heat and to dust off the old anvil. Then I began my learning experience. After a couple test runs, and a lot of hammering... this is what I came up with. Check it out. You might just say it "turned" out well. Ha ha, sorry for the bad pun... I couldn't resist.

Thanks for taking a look. For more info on Blacksmithery, check out www.anvilfire.com

A Learning Experience

The Solar-powered bike rack project for Honey's took some doing. Once all the details were worked out and the project was rolling along...I definitely hit some bumps along the way. Little things that you don't realize are gonna take forever...do. Mistakes are inevitable and progress is key. I learned a lot about procedure and technique. The right way of doing things and the infinite amount of possibilities that the proper tools offer.

I made sculpture for art sake in college and it was fun. But making form to suit function in a creative way is awesome! Designing work on paper and then making it real is quite a rewarding feeling for me. I love making things.

After countless hours, coffee breaks and lots of hard work...Here is the final outcome. please take a look.

First, the "Spiral".



























Notice the details at each end of the spiral.




























































Next is the "Grid". Also notice that they have been powder coated clear to keep that raw metal feel and so they can patina.


I really like this piece. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it.

Here's the face...
and the display base.


Then the "Cactus". I like the proportions on this one. It's simple and tall and it's all in the details.
Finally, all three in a row. They look nice all lined up, especially when they are loaded with bikes. Soon I'll post some pics of them lit up at night, so you can see them in full effect. Please go check em' out next time you're up that way. If you like, leave a comment and let me know what you think . Thanks.