Just in time for the upcoming Summer Olympics, the graphic tees we designed for team Saucony’s Wallace Spearmon Collection have been released. Saucony asked us to propose several apparel designs for the decorated 200M sprinter. Most of the Alphabet Arm crew are avid sports fans, so we jumped at the chance to design pieces that would represent the style of a 2008 and 2012 Olympian. We created an emblem that encompassed the qualities of a world class athlete: speed, precision and symmetry. We then did some distressed the crest to give a the feel of diehard training and exhaustive preparation. In the end, we’re very happy with the colorways Saucony finalized for the line. Hopefully we’ll see some dedicated fans rocking these shirts in their support of Spearmon in London. Good luck, WS.
Alphabet Arm Gear
Goin' Big / Part 02
Hi there, as previously promised, we have some more merchandise testing examples with our home skillets Jakprints. It’s a relatively new process implementing full color, high resolution dye sublimation. This old chestnut, in particular, revives a previous t-shirt design we sold out of a few years back. “Giant Squid Attack” was limited to three colors in it’s previous incarnation. With dye sub printing, both numbers of colors and the imprint size are no longer an issue. Ink on!!!
Goin' Big / Part 03
Howdy folks, here’s another in the series of one-off, full color, high resolution dye sublimation t-shirt tests courtesy of Jakprints. This composite design was largely inspired by some found textures, an old schematic and the Handyman’s Book (published in 1951) that was discarded and subsequently found in a one of our basements. Note the left shoulder supporting the illustration of the handyman expertly using a handheld drill (also his left shoulder). This shirt looks even better on, we’ve already had three offers to buy it on the spot.
PLEASE NOTE: ALPHABET ARM NO LONGER OFFERS TOOL SHARPENING AS A SERVICE.
Rasta-rific
At Alphabet Arm, we dig sweet, illustration-heavy design, we also dig music…oh, and we dig t-shirts too. With Summer at our doorstep, we decided it was the proper time to unveil this shirt and add it to our store. This design was unabashedly inspired by the Jamaican sound systems made popular in the 50’s + 60’s and was expertly illustrated by Alphabet Arm alum Ira F. Cummings. Heck, you can even win one if you act quickly and head over to our facebook page! No pressure, no problem man.
Automated Excellence (The Triumphant Return of El Cahote)
If you at all familiar with the studio, you’ll recognize our trusty, robotic mascot “El Cahote.” He’s (it’s?) taken on a life of his own, working his automated, rust-free magic onto marketing materials, stickers, buttons and hoodies. This is actually the third shirt he’s appeared on. People can’t seem to get enough of him – who knew? We upped the anti with his image bleeding off the bottom of this uber soft American Apparel 50/50 Black Heather shirt. Would you dig your very own?
DILLWLWBE*?
*Does It Look Like We Like Writing Blog Entries? Only when they pertain to B.A. merchandise design projects.
After re-branding the apparel company Dilligaf, we designed a number of apparel pieces for the acronym inspired business. As the new line and branding is being rolled out we don’t want to give away too much, but, here’s a sneak peek at some of the new merchandise we developed. We are particularly excited about the embroidered label that brands the exterior of each shirt as well as the phrases we developed that tie in the designs with overarching concepts.
BBFN!
It's Nice to Splice.
Whether you are serious about the process of recording, the history of all things audio, or simply a music enthusiast – we feel you. And YOU will feel this shirt that proudly honors the aesthetic of music’s past. With this three color, screen-printed American Apparel T, now you can finally look as good as you sound!
Snag your own at our store while they last.
No Zaboobs Allowed*
After designing the identity system for the surf-inspired apparel company, Invisible Sun, Alphabet Arm was hired to develop a number of merchandise designs for the company’s launch. The entire studio team jumped into the deep end to generate a cross section of styles, phrases and illustrations. Big props to Silvi Naci + Matt Kaiser for their great work. Surf around and let us know if you like what you sea.
*Completely wacked out surfer who never touches the water.
Merch Media Mania
All around bad-ass MC, Mr. Lif, just hipped us to the fact that he is repping Alphabet Arm in a new Thievery Corporation video for “Culture of Fear” in which he is featured. Rocking a classic El Cahote / Designbot t-shirt, he’s looking fresh as ever. Although the original El Cahote shirt is sold out, these two complementary counterparts are available and in stock (for the time being at least).
Longtime friend of the studio, Fred Eltringham, is also looking razor sharp in one of our Reel Audiofiles Unite shirts for is recent Vater Percussion profile. Fred is currently touring with K.D. Lang, but has played with a who’s who list of artists: Dixie Chicks, The Wallflowers, Ben Kweller, Tears for Fears, etc. since playing with the former Boston quartet, Gigolo Aunts.
Now you can look as hip as these two cats!
Masked!
This masked lucha head came about while we were designing a marketing piece for the studio (it’s since appeared in a number of applications).
It was only after each person who received the piece stated, “this would make a really sweet t-shirt,” did we think to ourselves, “this would make a really sweet t-shirt”. Not only are they offered in the glorious blue + heather red option, there is an equally kick-ass gray on gray version available! Both are screen-printed on American Apparel – and wouldn’t you know – make a joyous holiday gift (sorry, tacos no longer included)!
For your viewing pleasure > various uses of the famed lucha libre character.
tee it up!
Woo Hoo! We are always stoked when someone takes the time to write about the studio or review our work. Recently, The Tee Gazette posted a very nice piece about us. The Tee Gazette reviews a boatload of apparel companies and designers who specialize in apparel design, so yeah, it’s pretty sweet. We recently got turned onto the site after one of our clients, Invisible Sun, had some of their shirts reviewed. We were so inspired, we worked up this lovely t-shirt design!
Adventures in Graphic Design
Have you ever imagined an all-powerful Ray Gun that you could blast at any lame design – and presto – it would be transformed with turbo-boosted, super-rad, visual awesomeness? Well, that was the inspiration behind our latest t-shirt design. Not to mention a plethora of snobby typographic tirades. If you look close, you’ll even notice a nifty overprinting of transparent yellow (engineered especially for design nerds). We know, this all sounds like science fiction, but you can order yours now!
Thanks a latté
It’s no secret, we love coffee. In fact, we think it’s the most important meal of the day. We even have our own proprietary way of brewing our favorite beverage…find out our top secret method with this “coffee contraption” tee. And if that wasn’t enough, this shirt comes complete with it’s own fancy QR code technology. What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Alphabet Arm cafe to get yours.
The (wearable) Golden Rule
What better way to remind ourselves to be good human beings, and treat fellow humans with respect and grace?
Simply combine a sweet set of otters and a little pun re-mix – based on the age old golden rule and it all becomes quite clear. Tune in, turn on, crack yourself a clam!
Snag one for you here!
Mx2 Cx1
As a design studio, there are a couple key principles we live and breathe: “Happy clients make the world go ’round“, “Don’t fear the Pantone book“, “Not all typefaces are created equal“, “Never put your hand down a garbage disposal“, and “Measure twice, cut once“.
The last of which inspired us to embroider on these sweet Yupoong Flexfit Wooly Combed Twill Hats (in your choice of Navy Blue or Black). Now you can proudly share this rule with all you encounter. Designers, Contractors, Painters, Cabinet Makers and Mathematicians will undoubtably agree.
Grab your ruler, let’s do this thing! Order your’s here.
The Golden Rule in your Cotton Bureau
That’s right, our shirt The (wearable) Golden Rule is being featured on a fantastically radical store. Cotton Bureau is a curated online community for design and tech-focused t-shirts.
Why The Golden Rule you ask? What better way to remind ourselves to be good human beings, and treat our fellow man with respect and honor? And if a sweet set of otters, and a little pun re-mix helps us do that, well…then we all win.
The catch is, you only have a couple days to order your own as the production window is quickly closing, get to it!
Hers:
His:
You just might be our Type.
Lovers of Typography, we come to you bearing good tidings. Our previously-sold-out, ode to archival typography t-shirt, is now available again. Christmas miracle? Perhaps. Only available for a limited time – most definitely.
Our “Awesomely Alphabetical” t-shirt is now being featured on a fantastically brilliant, radical online shop > Cotton Bureau. It features a two color imprint on a luxurious, American Apparel tri-blend, heather black tee. The hitch is, you only have a couple days to order yours as the production window will be quickly closing, grab your here. Happy Kwanzaa!
Hers:
His:
We H E A R T Coffee
It’s no secret, at Alphabet Arm, we love coffee. In fact, we think it’s the most important meal of any given day. Simply follow our proprietary brewing system for a perfect cup!
Our “Coffee Contraption” t-shirt is now being featured on a fantastically cool online shop, Cotton Bureau. Cotton Bureau is a curated online community for design and tech-focused t-shirts. These are ultra-soft, Athletic Blue, Tri-Blend American Apparel shirts. That all sounds like the perfect cup – right? There is a catch – you only have a couple days to order your own as the production window is quickly closing, grab your here.
Hers:
His:
That's the spirit!
Fresh of the press, we are happy to share two t-shirt designs we created for Tuthilltown Spirits. Just like the distillery, these shirts celebrate their local ingredients — New York state’s grains and fruit. Today, Tuthilltown Spirits distills vodkas from apples grown at orchards less than 5 miles away from the distillery in the Hudson Valley.
Big Honcho Media Merch
We just got some samples of the merch we designed for one of our favorite clients, Big Honcho Media. They are a boutique marketing agency that specializes in radio, television and online promotions. We have worked with them on a number of projects including a redesign of their office system and associated marketing collateral.
mae: New Shirts
Zach, the guitarist from the band mae (Capitol Records) recently contacted us about designing a new merch piece. He tracked us down all the way from Australia where they are currently on tour. The band made the suggestion that it would be cool if the art somehow referenced the architectural nature of their first album, Destination: Beautiful. Have a look.
Up Your Bureau
They have done it again, the good folks at Cotton Bureau now offering t-shirts On Demand. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, an aficionado of robots, or just dig typography, check the shirts and see if one is worthy of your collection!
P.S. Stay tuned for new designs in the coming months.
Hometown Pride
As a long time New England Patriots fan, I supported my team + favorite players like Stanley Morgan, Russ Francis, Mike Haynes and Steve Grogan through countless loosing seasons. So that fact New England is now the preeminent football franchise in the NFL, and the envy of all other football fans around the league, is A-OK with this fella. In honor of this momentous, 6th World Championship, I gave myself a little design assignment and through the on-demand magic of the good people @cottonbureau you can order your own (and for just $22!).
Music Connects Us
It should come as no surprise to anybody reading this that we’re huge music fans. It’s is a common topic of discussion here in the studio, we love working on music-related design projects and having some tunes playing is always a major creativity catalyst. Some of us are even musicians and veterans of local band scene. Our new shirt design pays tribute to the role music has in our lives. It’s aptly called, “Music Connects Us” and you can pick it up at our store now.
Liz Linder shirts
We’ve worked with photographer Liz Linder on 40 or 50 CD packages to date. Know her work? Because you should! We designed a couple exclusive, hard to find, super-coveted promo t-shirts for her. Hotness:
Big Head Todd Merch
After winding down the design for their latest album and DVD, the management for Big Head Todd and the Monsters asked us for a merch design. Taking the photography and signage themes from the album and running with them, we created this T-shirt that fans can purchase to commemorate the tour. We even went the extra mile (ha ha!) with the list of tourdates on the back, and created something probably all touring bands can relate to. You can grab the shirt here.
All Buttoned Up!
Sure – buttons are always hot, but your very own, customized button pack to compliment them?!?! Come on — now that’s killer! Our new pal Hillary at PureButtons hooked us up with with some samples. Check em’ out: 
Skull Cahote
We have a few new Alphabet Arm t-shirt designs in the works for the very near future. This one is hot off the presses and ready to be ordered + rocked. Summer is here and you’ll need a fresh new shirt to wear to barbecues, firework displays, backyard wrestling tournaments and robot conventions.
You can get your very own at our online store. Check back soon for new designs!
¡Viva Lucha!
Have a hard time deciding what to wear while you practice your Flying Bulldog or Spinning Cobra Clutch? Have no fear, we’ve got your answer. This tough-as-nails luchador has found his way into several Alphabet Arm promo pieces in the past and we’ve finally decided to feature him on a t-shirt in all of his mexican grappling glory. Order your very own here.
American Idol on American Apparel
We just finished up these merch treatments for Taylor Hicks. We have to say working for an American Idol winner is a bit out of our comfort zone—but we like to think we are up for any challenge. His management was on a tight deadline so we were only able to develop 4 designs, fortunately (for everyone) they approved them all.
The American Soul & Rock & Roll Choir Merch
When we got the call to develop merch designs and a potential logo to brand a musical, we were rather excited. Then we heard the name, The American Soul & Rock & Roll Choir. Naturally, we asked, “you don’t have anything a little longer?” Kidding aside, that’s what we do here at Alphabet Arm, solve visual problems creatively. Given the classic collection of songs, we opted to develop some designs that felt visually complimentary. For one of the treatments we developed a type treatment honoring old broadway marquee signs and lovingly weathered it. We opted to go clean and roadster emblem-like for another direction. Ultimately, both were approved!
Check this out, fancy pants!
T-shirt and jeans happen to be the required dress code here at the Alphabet Arm studio. Which raises the question, what do we do when formal attire is more appropriate? Well, this here tux-ee-dough t-shirt is our answer to the question. Great for proms, weddings or impressing that special someone. It’s like saying, “I want to be formal, but I’m here to party too.” You can order your very own at our online store. Sorry, no rentals.
Communication is Key
Mobile phones, land lines, fax machines, computer cameras, secret notes, the interwebs, we all need to communicate, we suggest going old school and busting out some sweet walkie talkies.
Being designers by trade, our goal is successful visual communication, one way you could do the same is by proudly wearing this t-shirt we apply named “Communication is Key.” This lovely set of walkie talkies was left in Aaron’s basement when he moved in and he’s been waiting years for the right opportunity to use them. Now you can too. There are lots of adventurous new American Apparel colors too choose from!
Winner, Winner, Walkie-Talkie!
We’ll keep this contest simple, answer the following question. How many of our logos have been tattood on clients? Now take that number and add it to the number of Alphabet Arm’rs who have tattoos themselves. Show your work for credit. One lucky winner will be the owner of a new “Communication is Key” shirt.
Previous winners, employees of the State of Ohio, Contest sponsors, Digimondo, Baby Kitty Advertising, Telepathic USA, and Mediocre Lakes Publishing, and their respective affiliates and members of the immediate families of any employees of those organizations are not eligible to enter or win the Contest. This Contest is void where prohibited by law.
Parker House and Theory
We recently worked out a new merch design for Parker House and Theory, sweet – eh?
Win a shirt, you turkey!
You may have noticed that we have a new shirt design, dubbed “Music Connects Us”. We’re pretty psyched about it, so we want to give one away to a lucky blog reader. All you have to do is answer this simple trivia question:
Over the years, we’ve done a lot of work for great bands. Still, there are a bunch of bands that we haven’t worked with (yet). Which of these bands have we worked with?
A. The Pixies
B. NOFX
C. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
D. Flogging Molly
E. Less Than Jake
Easy as pie (which Donovan hates). Just leave us the answer in the comments, first one to get it right wins.
Previous Contest winners, employees of the State of Nebraska, White Sauce Inc., Dr. Pancakes 24-HR Diner, Drive-Through Hoagies, Babies With Sunglasses Games, and their respective affiliates and members of the immediate families of any employees of those organizations are not eligible to enter or win the Contest. This Contest is void where prohibited by law. Former interns: don’t even think about it.
Alphabetical
We’re type geeks. Seriously, we’re not even ashamed of it. We’ve been waiting since we named the studio to design a shirt that would express our undying devotion to the alphabet (especially of the distressed, weathered variety). The perfect opportunity arose after one of our designers attended a recent antiques fair and stumbled across a veritable treasure chest of assorted vintage wood block type. After blowing all the funds from the studio’s petty cash drawer on the type, we were inspired to design this shirt. This time we had them printed on v-neck and standard crew neck American Apparel t-shirts. Grab yours at our store.
Attention Fellow Type Geeks!
It’s time for another contest. Typophiles, this one is for you. Take a good close look at the freshly released “Alphabetical” t-shirt and do your best to identify the typeface used on all of the numerals. The first blog reader to identify it wins a free shirt. Leave your answer in the comments and be as specific as possible. (Those of you reading this on The Facebook or The Twitter, make sure you enter your answers on our blog).
Previous Contest winners, as well as employees of the Province of Saskatchewan, Sherby Lou’s FroYo, bands who insist on stretching (or squishing) typefaces, representatives of DJ Cry Baby LTD, Pumpkin Bandage Co. and their respective affiliates and members of the immediate families of any employees of those organizations are not eligible to enter or win the Contest. This Contest is void where prohibited by law. Former interns: don’t even think about it.
tune in, turn on and win this
It’s pretty obvious that we here at Alphabet Arm love music, and that’s why our latest shirt “Stereo Schematic“, is an homage to the equipment that brings the celebrated sounds to our ears. To share our enthusiasm for the recording process itself, and to make sure you are looking fresh this Fall, we are giving away a shirt to the first person to answers the following questions correctly. That’s right – it’s a three-parter:A. How may Flux Capacitors are pictured?
B. What is the typeface used in this design? (HINT: it’s our studio standard)
C. How many speakers are included in the schematic?
Thinking Outside the Bun…
It’s always both refreshing and exciting to see a long-standing business with years of success embrace a new way of thinking about their brand’s reach. That couldn’t resonate any truer than our new client, Joe’s Famous Steak & Cheese. Instead of resting on their 40 + years of proudly serving Dudley Square, they have opted to go viral. The initial phase of their marketing efforts is a line of playful, stylish t-shirts. And guess what fortunate design studio they have decided to work with? Go ahead – take a bite!
All about the Acronym
We recently re-branded an apparel company who has made their name largely due to the meaning of that very name. If you don’t know what Dilligaf stands for, you probably know someone who does. It’s an acronym that ends with a question. That was one of the visual cues we wanted to address while developing their new logo. Their rabidly loyal fans wear Dilligaf apparel like a shield of honor – you guessed it – visual cue #2. Lastly, we wanted their brand + line to soar above the typical graphic solutions (skulls, gothic type, snakes, dark tones, skulls, splattered blood, skulls, etc.) that seems to dominate their customers’ culture. During our initial meeting, there was a very frank discussion as to whether Alphabet Arm was actually the appropriate studio for this project or not. To their credit, the team at Dilligaf convinced us that we were. We’re happy they were so persistent. They too seem to be happy, which might be why they wrote this kind review on Yelp, “The folks at Alphabet Arm have enabled us to elevate our line to a totally higher level. They have inspired and amazed us both with their professionalism and their incredible understanding of our product.” TFTKW*
*Thanks For The Kind Words
put a lid on it…
Being a design studio who is often hired to design logos + develop identity systems that can fluidly apply to a variety of mediums, it’s always a hoot to use our logo much the same way. To that point, we like hats. Baseball hats in particular. Branded baseball hats to be very specific. Now we finally have our own. You can have your own too! Hit up the store. These will most likely go quickly, so get yours now or forever hold your hat. These are Yupoong Flexfit Wooly Combed Twill Caps available in S-M + L-XL.
Goin' Big / Part 01
We recently did a little merchandise testing with a new print technique our homies at Jakprints are perfecting. It’s a process implementing full color, high resolution dye sublimation. So, creating unique, one-off shirts is very simple. As a busy design studio, there are plenty of bits and pieces of ideas or treatments we’ve amassed over the years that haunt us. Even if a client didn’t deem them worthy, this is a fun way to get them a second chance at a little exposure. We have a couple different shirts we’ll share with The Bloggery over the next few weeks. This piece, in particular, features one of the many studio mascots (The Football’r) set against some leftover photo elements from a design installation (Graphic Takeover) we tackled back in ’06. Old school baby!
Zip This!
Our old pal designbot aka “El Cahote” makes it’s triumphant return on this slim-fit, Independent Trading Co., soft as heck hoody. Featuring a covered zipper with a White + Gray imprint on the front and an additional Gray back shoulder imprint to get your gears churning. This promise to move quickie, get you one while you can now.
See you at Heartbreak Hill
We are super excited to share with you the new t-shirts we recently designed for Saucony. The limited edition tees will be available at their Boston Marathon Expo booth and select retail stores. The folks at Saucony were particularly great to work with and we are enthusiastic to be a part of the project. Get yours for Marathon Monday!
