Gluckhaus Boards In the Works!

I'm happy to help spread the word that the Scarlet Onagers Guild is getting into selling stuff online. They hope to get costume accessories, entertainment, and jewelry into your hands before the next Renaissance Faire Season.

Gluckhaus Boards

The Gluckhaus board artwork I posted previously is going to be sold on fabric and vinyl boards. So far, it sounds like they'll sell the Gluckhaus board on it's own, or as part of a Game Set with a nim & tic-tac-toe pouch to hold all your game pieces and bar money.

I've recently seen the boards and am really excited they are going to be offering these items online soon. I'll keep you updated here when they launch their online store! You can also watch for updates and learn all about them by following them on facebook or on the Scarlet Onagers blog!

Roots

I quite like the Roots design. I'm not sure how this design came about, though. It was a moment of wanting something simple yet complex, and it developed before me with little thought about where we were going. This is what I ended up with: Roots, with dark pastel high lights.

This design looks better on lighter shirts, me thinks. This off-white, barely grey shirt is my favorite. I'm also a fan of how it fits on many of the other products, especially the notebooks and water bottles.

I look forward to more designs with a little more flair than just text; although, I do enjoy playing with the text-based designs best. Sometimes, outside of other craft and design projects, a design fits best in the RedPress family even when it does not focus on text.

Look for this design and more in the RedPress Shop, and follow us on instagram @RedPressPrints or on here for many more designs to come!

Go Big or Go Home? I'll Go Home, kthnx.

Home is the best place for me. I'll just be home whenever possible.

I've always been what people call a home-body or mostly antisocial. I'm okay with this. I quite like being home, doing things around the house or on my computer. There's nothing wrong with it. I'm by no means a hermit, merely have a strong preference to be in my own space, with my things.

I love the saying "Go Big or Go Home" and quite enjoy the recent memes about people using it without understanding that so many of us would rather just go home.

What better to remind you of home than a big blanket for snuggling up at the cold baseball game, or better yet on the couch at home? Need a shirt to let others know you'll be enjoying a quiet night at home instead of a loud party or bar? We've got you covered, you introverted lot. Let's all go home.

Check out this design and others at the Red Press Threadless Shop! Don't stay in just my shop, check out other artists on the base Threadless.com as well!

Science Is Important

In an ever-changing society, it is important to see science as the key to the constant, the knowledge and the truth. Show your support for science with this design!

I'm still discovering different products in the Threadless family and what designs and dimensions looks good on each product added to the line up. As always, I love hearing thoughts, opinions, and suggestions about designs and products. Feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Skateboards!? They're not badly priced on Threadless, and for this I was happily surprised. The deck only is around $60 which is standard pricing for basic designs from non-known designers around my town. The complete basic set is around $110 which is on the higher end of the normal range for my area. For this, it makes sense to find hardware around you to see if purchasing only a deck and building it yourself is more cost effective.

Science Brings Skills

In the name of science, learn a new skill! With the internet and all it's articles and videos, putting together a skateboard for the first time can be simple yet satisfying.

Check out this and many other designs on skateboards, hoodies, and more products by visiting the Red Press Threadless Shop!

Positive & Constructive Statements

Positive and constructive statements are more helpful than yelling and demanding. Disciplinary yelling does have it's place, but logic and confidence last longer and truly prevail if used alongside those rules.

While working with children I do my best to redirect, give positive alternatives, and be longevinous with my suggestions and solutions. This works with adults, too. A simple, "let's be nice" or "say why your mad, not just that you're mad" can go a long way in helping someone better communicate with those around them. 

Check out the Red Press Threadless shop for this design and many others on a wide variety of apparel, home products, and accessories.

Anger can escalate or dissipate...

"A man almost died today... but then I took a deep breath, centered myself, and then just walked away."

Sometimes our anger gets the best of us, but it's important to remember to breathe and walk away... sometimes after yelling why we're mad and flailing our arms around a tad.

Be Angry, But Be Conscious

I find that writing out what angers me allows me to better figure out the exact problem, narrow down solutions I would rather have, and even help let the issue go. Often, a strongly worded sentence is more powerful than a slew of angry words yelled out in the moment. Creating a scene is not my thing, but like everyone else: I get angry.

Have Productive Anger

This design is a humor-utilizing take on the many memes of the like floating around. I like to think it will remind me to breath, think through my anger, and have productive responses or no response. If you can't say anything nice, say nothing, right? I like to replace the word "nice" with "productive" because not all things worth saying can be considered nice, and sometimes you have to step on some toes to get your point across. The goal is just to step on toes though, and not to kick shins: that's just not productive.

So, here's the modern take on the serenity prayer. If you'd like to purchase this design, it can be found on the Red Press Threadless Shop here.

Work Free Zone

Do you ever just not want to talk about work? Throw on a shirt with this design and just head off having to explain more than by pointing and making a face.

This design was also requested by my spouse. On days off, on long work days, on good days, and on bad days: the only request is that work not be discussed unless prior approval has been obtained. If I attempt to round-a-bout start a conversation about work, it breaks up into yadda-yadda-yaddas with giggles and ears in fingers.

This is a pretty hard rule in our house, but it could be a rule in your house for days off, family days, or even when you just need a break and want to declare yourself a Work Free Zone!

Better yet? Get the design on a pillow and throw it at anyone who dares discuss work near the WORK FREE ZONE pillow!

If you want to order a shirt, pillow, or variety of other items with this design, visit the RedPress Threadless Shop by clicking here!

I Like It When I'm Funny

You know that time when you were so funny you cracked up about it? Go on and appreciate your own funny along with everyone else. It was a good one. You deserve to laugh, too!

This design even comes in kid sizes... because who cracks up more at their own jokes, right? It's adorable. Let's encourage the giggles and funnies.

My spouse requested this one. Here's to you, baby, and for all the other funny adults that crack up like kids every time they lay out a really funny one-liner that even surprises themself. My little brother does the same thing! We'll be sitting at a family gathering, just chatting, and each one-liner, sarcastic comeback, cerebral exclamation, and physical misstep gets giggles from all involved... including the one who spoke it or performed it.

So, go on: laugh with everyone. We like it when you're funny, too!

If you want to purchase this design, for yourself or someone else, please do so with kindness in mind. You can find this design for sale by following this link to the Red Press Threadless Shop.

Educate: Don't Hate

There are times when we have to remember that ignorance is best fought with knowledge, and ignorant questions are best answered honestly. Questions are requests for knowledge, and kind honesty can help end hate where anger-filled answers can only breed more hate and distrust.

Why Pride?

As we get closer to July this year, there are a lot of people questioning why LGBT folks still insist on throwing a wild parade and street fair with various surrounding parties. We get it: you're queer! It's not about showing they're different though: pride celebrates the moment various sorts of queer people were tired of harassment from law and society. The varied groups came together to show they would do anything it took to live their lives as they wanted to by loving whomever they wanted to love and dressing in clothes they chose for themselves. "Although there had been other protests by gay groups, the Stonewall incident was perhaps the first time lesbians, gays, and transgendered people saw the value in uniting behind a common cause." (Britannica)


This coming together of queer groups marked a much stronger minority, all facing similar discrimination, with more presence and power than the individual groups. These events lead to getting the issue in front of people who had never even known the harassment and violence LGBT people faced. With knowledge comes power, and enough people gained that power to help LGBT people fight for many of the rights they have today.

The Fight Is Still Not Over

Even though all these events occurred decades ago, LGBT people are once again facing discrimination and violence. With renewed division around politics and many social divides gaining depth, knowledge and empathy are lacking on many fronts.

Let's fight to spread our stories, our fears, statistics, scientific studies, hopes, and dreams. Remember to educate, even when a question or statement brings fear and hate to our forefront.

Check out the Educate, Don't Hate design on RedPress.Threadless.com by clicking here!

New Card Game In The Works!

We're still working in the background on the next card game for the Bellingham Game Company, but I just previewed the digital version of the cards! They're so clean and simple and amazingly portray exactly what is needed for the game!

I can't show them off just yet, but soon they'll be posted to the Bellingham Game Company's Facebook Page and Instagram account ( @bellinghamgamecompanyllc ).

I'm really excited about this game because it is an amazing large group game, perfectly casual for chatting throughout and helping each other play. It's kind of a luck game, and it really takes the stress off learning a bunch of rules. My game playing focus lately has been to search for casual games for large groups, but also quick-to-learn games so the fun of playing manifests quickly. Can find them? Well, make them!

Gah! We'll be able to show it off soon, but the designer on our team really came through on this one. I love the designs and can't wait to share them!

Just Business

With prices of goods going up so much faster than wages, sometimes it's hard to remember: it's just business.

Inspiration For Design

I have a few businesses and hobbies where I have sole responsibility or share the responsibility in setting prices. This is hard to do, and sometimes it means dropping a product in it's conception phase. All these ideas of things I want to create and put out there are just not within my reach for price-points anyone (including me) is willing to pay.

Business Motivations

I can't imagine how some small businesses keep their storefronts open, the lights on, the insurance paid, and the employees happy: I appreciate and envy them for figuring it out and making it work. I'm a fan of low profit margins in my own businesses, and that comes from my personal motivations more than anything else.

All businesses I have my hand in are low-overhead and efficient by design. I attempt to keep material costs proficiently balanced in terms of quality and cost, then I add a small percentage for my time and effort. I like the extra money -- don't get me wrong -- but I'm much more motivated by the knowledge products I had a hand in are out there, being used and appreciated. It still costs money though: materials, equity tied up in stock on hand, storage space until it is ordered, shipping costs, booth & storefront fees, perks for employees or volunteers. I'm willing to take the cut and spend the time; whatever it takes to get it out there!

It is, at the end of the day, just business. Sometimes business costs a pretty penny, and we should remember that. That small business owner is just trying to keep the doors open and feed the family.

Want to have this printed on a sign, shirt, or something else? Check out Red Press Print's Artist Shop on Threadless.

Happiness is Measured in Caffeine

Coffee, Tea, or Soda?

Pick your caffeine, but don't be under caffeinated: decaf is for quitters! I know I'm a bit grumpy if I haven't had either sleep or caffeine. It helps kickstart my day and keeps me motivated throughout the day. We could all use a little caffeine now and then. 

Which way do you take your caffeine? Are you a jittery coffee bug like me? A well digesting tea drinker? A sugared up soda sipper? Or prefer the dash of caffeine in the form of a well crafted chocolate bar? 

Shameless Advertising: 

You can grab a shirt with this design from our Threadless Artist Shop. Do you need a stretch canvas sign to advertise your addiction and happiness? That's in there, too! Phone covers are also in the mix.  Click here to see the design 'Happiness is Measured in Caffeine!"

Happiness is Measured in Songs

Music for Days

Whether you need background noise or a 30 second dance party: happiness is measured in songs. Everything I do is made more enjoyable by music. As I type this, music plays in the background. Everything from classical concertos to modern pop, swing to Gregorian chants, rock to dubstep; music is amazing.

Apparel & Accessories

Alert everyone to your love of all that is music: click here to check out the design "Happiness is Measured in Songs."

Happiness is Measured in Picas

 

Graphics, Text, & Happiness

For everyone who enjoys typing, drawing, correcting, organizing, or any of the other tasks of graphic design: happiness is measured in picas. Each and every part of an image in it's place, after zooming impossible far and correcting with taps of the shift and then arrow alone: happiness.

Each Pica Counts

After many collaborative projects, I giggle about how a non-designer watches in despair as graphic parts are moved by the point, pica, and pixel. It does matter! We see it, and we know our fellow designers -- either by profession, education, or hobby -- will see it as well. Advertise what we all know to be true: every pica truly does matter.

The Merchandise

Like what you see? Head on over to Threadless and check out our many Happiness related graphics. And remember: happiness is measured in picas

Why Threadless?

I discovered Threadless when I was looking into merchandise platforms for Bellingham Game Company’s logo and pending game releases. After reading many reviews, I was hesitant, but thorough research has shown me that Threadless had a rough patch when switching from printing in runs and printing on demand (Introducing: Artist Shops!). This bump in the road is completely understandable to me, especially since they were quick to respond and begin repairing their business and reputation.

Nickel and Dime Up

The profit margin isn't great on Threadless because the base costs are a little high per item, but I set my margin fairly low... so it is also a my fault. I would much rather see my stuff out there than make a bunch of money; although, some money is nice. The Red Press brand is just a hobby and an outlet for me to create graphics, order prints of my own graphics, and click a box for others to wear the same design if they wish.

Artist Shops

It is fairly easy to set up an Artist Shop on Threadless. Create an account and upload a design. You can mess around with logos and banners, or you can skip those. There are simple templates for layout, fonts, and colors of the shop so you can keep the setup simple and get to what you want: put mah stuff on shirts!

They have an interesting mix of products: typical shirts & hoodies, coffee cups, stickers, skateboards, phones, duffel bags & backpacks, towels, pillows, shower curtains, stretched canvas and other wall mounts. Once your image is uploaded (per the specs clearly laid out or any of the supplied templates), select the items and colors you want available. This can all be changed at any time, but the image placement editor is quite a bit buggy. Remember to slate a little extra time and be patient for this part.

Work Together

Threadless also has the option to list another account as a "collaborator" on a particular design.  This means you and a buddy can each have shops, but also work on something together and give each other credit. Have great ideas, but not the right software and know-how to add the finishing touches? Work with a buddy, agree on a profit split, and have them list you as a collaborator! Threadless will then deal with splitting the profits each time a sale is made. Teamwork made easy!

Show Me Yours?

Do you have an artist shop? On Threadless or Cafepress or another platform? Comment below and link your shop! Free advertising! :)

There is No "Marriage" in Board Games!

Game Night

My family is incredibly into Game Night. Even as most of us are adults, we routinely schedule weekly game nights. Bringing new friends, and even a couple spouses into the routine, we've had to explain many a house rule. The main of such rules routinely yelled across the table is "There is no marriage in board games!" or, similarly, "There is no marriage in card games!"

Whether we're playing our vicious version of full-blood Settlers of Catan or fighting across a lively game of Skip-bo. Casual game play is everything but casual to our family: there's excitement, loud debates that end in giggles and shoulder slaps, and always an abundance of snacks. One thing is not present though: the link of marriage that may get you to side with a spouse or plead the fifth for a spouse on a rule debate or similar argument.

And it is true, isn't it? In a game, all wits are about, and friends & family become either adversaries or partners. During the game, it is all about the game: employ strategies, make and break pacts, and do your best to win. Just remember, even in marriage: No one wants your flock of sheep!

Marriage Goals

Do you need a shirt to remind your spouse that all is fair in love and games? You can purchase one now from RedPress.threadless.com if needed. Another possibility would be to purchase a throw pillow in order to gently beat some sense into them betwixt rounds.

Scarlet Onager Logo

I quite enjoyed working on this graphic for the Scarlet Onagers Guild of Salem, Oregon. The Scarlet Onagers are a group of background characters at the Canterbury Renaissance Faire in Oregon. They spend the two weekends of the Faire assisting with landscape needs, crowd control, and whatever needs the vendors and Faire staff.

What Works in a Logo

The guild wanted a simple logo that stood out, but was in some way linked to the name "Scarlet Onagers" that had been adopted. The final graphic had to be bitmapped (no shading or grayscaling, with clearly defined edges) in order to make it easy to screen print the logo onto clothing, game boards, or other materials.

Practice Makes Happy

When creating the logo, many iterations appeared. An "Onager" is a small donkey from Asia. One was a full body silhouette of a young donkey, another had the young donkey within the outline of a traditional English crest, and the third was only the head of the donkey. After quite a bit of tweaking, the neck was added, the eyes were adjusted, and the final version of the logo was adopted by the guild.

The guild has a few iterations of the final logo. They have a vector version in case the logo needs updating later. They also have a version in their guild color of a muted crimson, one in black for ease of screen printing, and one with "the Scarlet Onagers" in a lovely script font upon the neck of the logo.

Believe in Nessie

Do You Believe?

There is a new design in Red Press Artist shop on Threadless. Believe in Nessie!

This graphic was a bit of an accident. In working on another graphic still in progress, a mis-step in editing vector points led to the start of it. Even in my frustration of learning a new vector editing software, I couldn't help but laugh upon seeing the silhouette of the Lochness Monster upon my graphic.

Prior to correcting the graphics, I copied Nessie here into a new file. As I wrapped up the other project, I came back to Nessie and added a few simple flourishes. Once complete, Nessie was posted to the Red Press Threadless Artist Shop, and is now released to roam about on shirts, hoodies, phones, and notebooks!

Check out the Nessie graphic in the Red Press Artist Shop by clicking HERE!

New Opening!

Our Artist shop is just starting out. Feel free to comment or message with suggestions on what products you'd like to see with this print, what you think of this print, or anything really. I'm always game for a good conversation starter!

Opener

Here I plan to post Photos and Graphics for Print, as well as discuss a wide variety of graphic, design, and typography related topics. I’ll discuss the inspiration for graphics, the wont to add too many details, and how things are going in general. I’m trying to keep this outlet simple, clean... well as far as designs go!

If all goes as planned, this will be a blogged portfolio of sorts aimed at simplicity.

Graphics ready for print will be posted for sale at RedPress.threadless.com

 Happy viewing. :)