Real Life Applications

"125 Years of Hope, Humanity, Compassion —
Selected Treasures from the Art Collection of the American Red Cross" Book

When one of America's most recognized organizations wanted to create an anniversary book documenting their amazing art collection, they chose Elgin, Illinois-based design firm Rule29 to lead the way. From James Montgomery Flagg to Norman Rockwell, the American Red Cross has amassed an impressive collection of art that includes paintings, sculpture, architecture, artifacts, and much more. While creating this project, Rule29 and MacDonald Photography flew to Washington, DC where they worked directly with the ARC staff to shoot classic pieces as well as some of the newest pieces donated specifically for this book and anniversary celebration. According to Rule 29 principal Justin Ahrens, "It was an incredible experience. For two days, it was just me and the photographer and this amazing collection of art from all around the world." The book highlights pieces from the early 1900s through the present day after showcasing the five contemporary art pieces specially donated for the anniversary.

Thomas B. Goehner, manager of historical outreach, summed up the project best: "We were pleased that Rule29 shared our enthusiasm for these artworks that have touched generations of Americans and took up the challenge to design a publication I think we can all be proud of."

When it came to paper, Ahrens wanted to convey the softness inherent in many of the paintings and illustrations yet not sacrifice any resolution or clarity, so Utopia One X Silk was his choice from the beginning. "U1X Silk was the perfect fit for the feel and design of this project, "said Ahrens, "By using gloss varnish on the art images and dulling back the rest of the page, we were able to really highlight the art."

Client: American Red Cross
Design: Rule29 - Rule29.com
Photography: MacDonald Photography
Printing: O'Neil Printing
Paper: Utopia One X 100 lb Silk Text & 120 lb Silk Cover
Typeset in: Avenir & Adobe Garamond

Nick Cave Soundsuits Boxfolio

Mad. Humorous. Ritualistic. Visceral. Elaborate. Grotesque. Glamorous. Unexpected. ...All words used to describe Chicago multimedia performance artist Nick Cave's body of work entitled, "Soundsuits," a name inspired by the sound many emit when in which they are performed. Created largely from scavenged ordinary materials re-appropriated for his work, the Soundsuits are elaborate full-body armatures. Riverside, Illinois-based design firm Faust was hired to create not only a catalog that would accompany an exhibition of this client/artist's body of work entitled "Soundsuits," but also to create a provocative art object. Cave's 2006 exhibitions were accompanied by this "Boxfolio" which housed similarly unexpected materials of the mundane including light wands, iron-ons, magnets, playing cards, pens, customized ViewMaster, postcards, and, of course, an exhibition catalog.

"Paper selection was critical for this project," said Bob Faust, designer. "We needed papers that were tactile combined with ones that could flawlessly reproduce the complexity of his work." Faust used Curious Touch Soft Whipped Cream Text for the box which was foil stamped with a black gloss foil. For the exhibition catalog, Utopia One X (U1X) 100 lb Gloss Cover and 100 lb Silk Text were used. The postcards were printed on U1X 100 lb Gloss Cover and the poster was printed on U1X 100 lb Gloss Text. "The mix of finishes and weights added a dimension of discovery and interplay with the art, making the Boxfolio a tactile experience in its own right", said Faust.

Client: Nick Cave
Design firm: Faust - faustltd.com
Photography: James Prinz
Printing and fabrication: Creative Graphics Management
Paper: Utopia One X 100 lb Silk Text, 100 lb Gloss Text, & 120 lb Gloss Cover