My Blog

Monome - 40h case machining

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:37:23 -0800

Brian and Kelli over at Monome.org make a wonderfully intriguing adaptable minimalist interface called a Monome. After building one of thier 40h kits, I wanted to make a nice custom aluminum case - so I set out with a Bridgrport Textron, 1/4” aluminum and a plan to machine my case.
Drawings for the parts were started in Illustrator CS3 on an iMac - moving those to AutoCAD on a 5 year old PC, then to a beautiful old 386.

One of the most challenging parts was breaking up the code for the CNC Mill - as it only has a memory of 12kb, and the code for the faceplate came in at 25kb+. Oh how fun it was to track down some old 3.5” floppy disks.
There is a short video of the CNC Mill in action here.

When Blues Met Rock - Starbucks CD

Tue, 27 May 2008 19:41:32 -0700

It’s finally out - my most most recent work for Starbucks Entertainment - the CD compilation, When Blues Met Rock.

This compilation captures that fiery moment of ignition when blues met rock - and I wanted to create a package that was an integral part of that experience.

This piece was Inspired by linocut/woodcut posters, with a nod to folk art portraits and illustration. The composition started as a pencil sketch, migrated through a few rounds of linoleum cuts to determine appropriate line weights and textures, and was finally composed digitally in Photoshop for offset production. The case was printed on uncoated stock, with 4cp for the ages paper as well as a spot red and black for the illustration.

One of the more unique aspects of the packaging is that is takes the form of an oversized matchbook- complete with striker strip on the back. We also did away with the plastic insert usually used to hold the CD, and chose instead a card stock based system for holding the disk.

The CD label was inspired by labels found in a collection of old mexican 45’s I inherited from my great uncle.

In the end this piece shows how packaging can become part of product, delivering a more powerful experience than digital music alone- if only we could get them to press it in vinyl...

I’ll post larger photos for detail viewing over at my Flickr site.

Illustration and package design by daniel petrzelka.
Illustration and package design copyright starbucks 2008.

Media War

Wed, 21 May 2008 09:32:41 -0700

While on a press check in LA/Pasadena a few months back I caught this snap - a sweet vintage 6 head offset press with “war” showing on a gigantic banner at the other end of the warehouse - instantly brought back readings of memetics/memes and the role of media in propagating impressions of difference, conflict and violence. We truly do live in an argument culture that thrives on conflict and opposition.

The Kelly B

Sat, 17 May 2008 08:34:29 -0700

Today we moved the Kelly B press from Stern & Faye Printers.

Check out the photos of the move over at my Kelly B photoset on Flickr.

Starbucks Holiday, Pass the Cheer

Thu, 1 May 2008 22:55:15 -0700

The holiday season is all about people coming together, connecting. Whether its helping someone cross the street, calling an old friend, or making a new one over a cup of coffee, we all find ways to Pass the Cheer.
Starbucks wanted to celebrate the simple acts of cheer passing that make the holidays special. Our team worked with  W+K of Portland, and a wonderful digital artist from Japan - Tatsuro Kiuchi - to create a fresh new holiday story telling experience.

Working with such a large team, including a an internationally based illustrator was a challenging and exciting experience. The collaboration bred many creative concept extensions. Tatsuro has catalogued a few more great examples of the work here.

Yes- I am very late in getting this posted.

A big thanks to Matt, Erica, Thomas, Tatsuro, and the team at W+K - what a project!

Illustration and package design copyright starbucks 2008.