BIG TREE < small axe

SPD does a piece on LANDFILL

2011-02-07T14:43:00.002-05:00

Society of Publication Designers just did a lil piece on LANDFILL:

http://www.spd.org/2011/02/landfill-youll-be-surprised-by.php

Mail

2011-01-25T16:18:00.003-05:00

Receiving 'actual' mail surprises rule. I just got a copy of 'The Threat of Change' from Chris Stain in the mail today - a total surprise! It's a Josh Macphee, Mode, and Chris Stain series of works from 06-08'. You can find their work on JustSeeds.org

2010 FLYERS

2011-01-25T00:14:00.006-05:00

While cataloging some works from 2010, I stumbled upon a ton of flyers for CMJ, TeePee, ChronicYouth and others created over the last year or so. Good nor not, they all represent some sort of experimentation (and quick thinking). Since these don't really have a home, I thought I'd share a few-some good, some not so. Some obvious quick freebies (free beers!), some actually commissioned.

Third Rail Coffee Voted Best shop in NYC 2010

2011-01-11T10:12:00.003-05:00

My West Village identity client, Third Rail Coffee, was just voted best coffee shop in New York. Some images below...visit them at 240 Sullivan Street.

JUST DESIGN a new book from MINE Design in SanFran

2010-12-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

Friday 12/17 LANDFILL Issue 2 Launches

2010-12-14T11:39:00.006-05:00

LANDFILL is an annual publication created by Brian Ponto in partnership with the Greg Barber Co. Each issue creates a volume of contemporary sustainable printing, giving other design professionals access to the processes, if only through example.

Please join us for the launch of LANDFILL Issue Two: the Edible Issue; featuring: Leda Meredith, Flatbush Farms, Marlow & Sons, Brooklyn Grange, Bloominghill Farms, WQCI, Neenah Paper, Brooklyn Farmyards, Rouge Tomate, and Hawthorne Valley Farm.

We'll be pouring free beers, thanks to our sponsors by 6point Brewery while we have a Q&A with some participants of LANDFILL 02. Copies will be available on hand.

Friday, December 17th. 6-8pm.

www.landfillzine.com

www.3rdward.com

Rally to Restore Sanity

2010-11-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

Hired!

NOV YORK + BRIAN PONTO

2010-10-18T22:00:00.002-04:00

Sneak Peak...

Daniel Helmstetter: open studio and show

2010-10-11T18:22:00.003-04:00

Long-time friend and occasional collaborator Daniel Helmstetter just finished a killer installation of his trademark type paintings inside his Newark, NJ studio. Some snapshots from inside. All work can be viewed here: http://www.danielpatrick.org/

Adriane Schramm show at Pendu Gallery, Williamsburg

2010-10-11T18:08:00.003-04:00

New Works

2010-08-27T20:08:00.003-04:00

So it's been a busy summer, and my blog and homepage updating are proof of this.

So, what have I been doing? Well, LANDFILL Issue 02 is in the works. You can find the RFP here, to find out more:

http://www.brianponto.com/landfill/Landfill_2009.pdf

I am also on twitter, here:

http://twitter.com/BrianPonto

I'm anticipating some fun poster works with ChronicYouth, TeePee records, Shinebox Recordings and Converse for the upcoming CMJ showcases.

Speaking of ShineBox recordings, I recently designed their logo and I'm helping flush out the brand. The visual identity is on its way, with the cards being letter-pressed by the Cranky Pressman. We should have those in by mid-September.

http://shinebox-recordings.com/

New identities for: FEED Projects, (a new Brooklyn Bar) the Fifth Estate, and more, soon!

Still teaching at 3rdWard, with a new class proposal in the works. We just finished Type Through Beer, the second coming. Really great work from this crops students!

Watch my tweets, as I prepare for an entirely new site and refreshed visual identity this fall!

3rd Ward Class : Typography Through Beer

2010-02-24T23:05:00.007-05:00

So i just concluded teaching my first class at the 3rd Ward in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood. The vibe, kids and building is must see. The place is really amazing!

To tie in the community vibe of Bushwick and the 3rd Ward, I touched upon Bushwick's beer brewing history, and pulled old beer labels to teach typography. Then we created out own beer, 'Shwick, and went through the design process. I think it was a success? Below are some images from the presentation...

JACKIECHANG.NET LAUNCHED TODAY

2010-01-07T17:58:00.003-05:00

Brooklyn mural artist contracted the studio to create her a home on the internet.
www.jackiechang.net

If you've traveled the Lorimer G/L Train, you may have seen her work.

NOV this Kwanzaa

2009-11-25T14:56:00.004-05:00

NOV and I are creating a free book, to be distributed through NYC bodegas, and abroad. The story by NOV, 'Take This. Take Me. Take Everything' will be at your corner joint by the holidays; somewhere between the lemonheads and Suzy-Q's...

ted

Happy Halloween

2009-10-20T14:07:00.002-04:00

It's been busy, and I'm desperately working on an update for the site, in the meantime Happy Halloween! Look for the update this November.

Selected in BICeBé 2009 Third International Biennial of Poster, Bolivia

2009-09-23T10:26:00.004-04:00

'08xoxoxox1968' (the Mai 1968 Poster project) was recently selected for Bolivia's Third International Biennial of the Poster. The show opens November 18th in Bolivia.
More info here. And more info to come soon with BICeBé's press release...

Also, available now, Print's 2009 regional design issue:

THIRD RAIL COFFEE on Sullivan St. is Open for Business

2009-09-14T22:59:00.005-04:00

Rita and Humberto of THIRDRAILCOFFEE hired the studio to design their identity several months ago. I'm proud to say that the shop is now open for business and it looks fantastic!

The coffee is pretty killer, too!

Chronic Youth T's now available + Launch Party

2009-08-20T09:40:00.003-04:00

(from CY's website)

Vibe out your bros with the sigil inspired Chronic Youth 'Insignia' Tee. Designed by the studio of Brian Ponto and printed by the homie Coty at the End Records on clean whites. This will be a rad late summer addition to your tee collection. More colorways coming soon!

And tomorrow (8/21) is our launch party at the Charleston, with Cannabis Corpse. Come hang!

CHRONIC YOUTH LAUNCHES

2009-08-03T17:05:00.004-04:00

www.chronicyouth.com

Fred Miketa, David Castillo, Gavin O'Connor and I have been working away on a new, brutal lifestyle, event and content magazine site.

The idea was; what are the old core kids into? Could we produce a home for all these things—heavy, dark and experimental? Think of it as Pitchfork for all things heavy.

Enjoy!

PETALS shoegazey cold wave trippy noise from SanFran

2009-07-30T17:52:00.002-04:00

2 sided album. here's the artwork for the covers.

Look for Cameron and Jess aka PETALS in your town, dudes.

Print and Production Finishes for Sustainable Design

2009-06-11T12:24:00.003-04:00

By Edward Dennison

Published by Rotovision Available

June 12th

http://www.amazon.com/Print-Production-Finishes-Sustainable-Design/dp/2940361983/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244736116&sr=8-1

Duke and Winston

2009-06-10T18:18:00.003-04:00

New shirt created for Duke and Winston. Available at:

http://www.duke-winston.com/weathervane.htm

Duke and Winston is a new clothing company from Philadelphia.

This was the first shirt we created for the Duke.

ELI + HARRY

2009-06-01T17:55:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the world Eli and Harry!

Congrats father Sahre!

NOV + Studio Wall

2009-05-30T18:20:00.003-04:00

STUDIO VISIT: NOV

2009-05-25T23:19:00.001-04:00

Last week we got to NOV's Brooklyn Barn.

We've begun work on a new guerilla book project. More to come!

Kaki King Guitar Art Project

2009-05-18T13:37:00.004-04:00

Last night I met up with Kaki to scoop up a guitar and chat about ideas and possible song titles.
I decided on "My Insect Life" off the record I was lucky enough to design, Leg's to Make Us Longer.

I'll begin taking the guitar apart next week with David from WISE guitars and create an ant farm to sink flush into the rear. Below is part of the mission from Kaki, and a pic from last night, hanging in BK.

http://www.wiseguitars.com/

From Kaki:
What I want to do is to meet twelve amazing artists, give them each a blank guitar, and let them go wild creating anything their heart desires. The theme of each piece would be the title of one of my songs, and my only artistic contribution would be to paint my fingers and 'play' the fretboard (wherever it ends up) as I would during the song so as to create a visual representation of where my hands travel.

Everyone tells me that my playing is best witnessed visually--so this is one interpretation of that statement. At the end of this project we're going to display all of the guitars in a gallery and throw a party with performances and perhaps the finalization of the last guitar...

Thanks for reading! Can't wait to see what y'all got!

love, kaki

http://www.facebook.com/pages/kaki-king-guitar-artwork/78255311611

LANDFILL, all around you...

2009-05-08T15:54:00.005-04:00

Since launching March 20th, LANDFILL has been making the rounds on the cover of blogs and showing up in some pretty amazing places. What was created as a resource for designers, printers and paper buyers has found its way into enviromental websites, artists sites and even (tonight!) a show. So much appreciation for everyone who's found some inspiration, knowledge or even just a sweet little moment inside. Below are some of the sites hosting a little piece on LANDFILL that have been brought to my attention. Please get in touch if you've posted something on the piece, or if you'd like more information.

We Can Not NOT Change the World (Berlin)

How's Top Ten Sites for Designers

Just Seeds / Visual Resistance Blog

Another Limited Rebellion

Seasick Mama

design:related post

Freshkills Park Blog

(Letter from Nov)

Also, while submitting to AIGA's Center for Sustainable Design I found this amazing resource online at Mohawk's home. It calculates what you save via enviro paper selection and printing methods. LANDFILL looks to be as enviromental as we hoped, we'll knock it back even more in 2010, promise.

Last of the Diehards

2009-04-24T11:16:00.004-04:00

Futuristic visions of Luke Barber-Smith's Psychotropic Horizons

2009-04-14T17:40:00.008-04:00

Today I visited Luke's new studio, and dropped him copies of LANDFILL.

Luke shot all the images for Issue 01: Second Chances.

Inside Luke's Williamsburg Studio:

The White House Plants Organic Farm

2009-03-24T13:14:00.004-04:00

I'm very proud these guys had helped make it happen, my client, theWhoFarm.

(from the White House Press Release)
"This is a big day. We've been talking it since the day we moved in," said the First Lady as she and two dozen local students broke ground on the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn of the White House. Those students will be involved in the garden as it develops and grows, producing delicious, healthy vegetables to be cooked in the White House Kitchen and given to Miriam's Kitchen, which serves the homeless in Washington, DC.

(from the Washington Post)

For more than a decade, food activists have rallied, cajoled, even pleaded for a vegetable garden on the White House lawn. Now they're finally going to get it.

Today, first lady Michelle Obama will host a groundbreaking for a White House kitchen garden on the South Lawn. She will be joined by students from Bancroft Elementary in Northwest Washington, , whose participation in the project will continue past today, as they help with planting in the coming weeks and harvesting later this year.

The 1,100-square-foot garden will include 55 kinds of vegetables, including peppers, spinach and, yes, arugula. (The selection is a wish list put together by White House chefs.) There will also be berries, herbs and two hives for honey that will be tended by a White House carpenter who is also a beekeeper. The chefs will use the produce to feed the first family, as well as for state dinners and other official events.

The White House will use organic seedlings, as well as organic fertilizers and organic insect repellents. The garden will be near the tennis courts and be visible to passersby on the street. The whole Obama family will be involved in tending the garden, White House spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld said.

Proponents of the garden see the move as a victory for fresh, wholesome food. With the Obamas as role models, it could also be a turning point in their battle to overturn the perception of organic food, farmers markets and gardens as the preserves of the elite.

"Nothing could be more exciting," said Alice Waters, chef of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., who has been lobbying for a garden on the White House lawn since the first Clinton administration. "The symbolism of putting a seed in the ground is a promise of a real nourishment and education for the population who visits, the people who plant the crops and the people who pick from it."

The White House appears to be casting the garden as just another strategy to encourage healthful eating. President Obama famously learned the political perils of being too familiar with "elite" vegetables such as arugula. In several interviews, Michelle Obama has talked about the importance of healthful eating and the challenges of persuading her children to eat fruits and vegetables. But she tends to use words such as fresh and nutritious rather than organic and sustainable. "We want to use it as a point of education," the first lady said in an interview in the April issue of O magazine. "We want to talk about health and how delicious it is to eat fresh food, and how you can take that food and make it part of a healthy diet."

The Obamas' garden will not be the first at the White House. John Adams, the first tenant, planted a garden shortly after taking up residence in 1800. Woodrow Wilson brought in sheep to mow and fertilize the White House lawn in 1918, an effort to conserve resources for the war effort. In 1943, over the objection of the Agriculture Department, Eleanor Roosevelt planted a victory garden, inspiring millions of Americans to grow their own food during World War II.

Recent efforts have been more modest. Jimmy Carter, a Georgia farmer who extolled the virtues of gardening during his campaign, declined calls in 1978 to plant a vegetable garden at the White House. During the Clinton years, a small garden was planted on the roof; the White House rejected the idea of a larger garden on the lawn, saying it was not in keeping with the formal nature of the White House grounds.

Campaigners for the White House garden were pleased but not surprised by the move. Daniel Bowman Simon, who last year drove a school bus with a sustainable garden on its roof across the country to raise awareness for the idea, said in December he had given a presentation to Rethinking Soup, a project that brought together farmers and activists to discuss food issues. Rethinking Soup was organized in part by Sam Kass, who had worked as a private chef for the Obamas and joined the White House kitchen in January. Chez Panisse's Waters said the first lady had been receptive to the idea when the two met last summer. "She said: 'I don't know why we couldn't have one,' " Waters reported. "It seemed like the most natural thing in the world."

Simon and his partner, Casey Gustawarow, called for schoolchildren and disabled Americans to work in the White House garden. They also requested that the gardeners plant heirloom seeds and use compost made from food waste from the kitchens that serve the White House, congressional buildings and Supreme Court.

"This garden is a tremendous idea, one that is both timely and in some ways overdue," said former White House executive chef Walter Scheib. "There has always been a small garden at the White House, but this commitment by Mrs. Obama to local and freshly grown product is a progressive move forward that will raise the profile and awareness of local and sustainable food both at the White House and nationally to an unprecedented level. Chef [Cristeta] Comerford and all of the chef's brigade must be thrilled to have this resource at their disposal. I know I would have been."

Quick, discreet survey on the economy

2009-03-21T18:52:00.004-04:00

My friend and collaborator Lindsay Ballant and I are doing some preliminary research for a possible project proposal. If you/your family been personally affected by the economic crisis, please follow this link to a quick, discreet survey. Or you can describe your situation here by responding to: responsibleproject@gmail.com

The information will be gathered as part of a public project addressing the effects of the financial crisis and hopefully we can pull some good ideas from real people's stories. We are not using your words, and this is totally discreet.

Thanks!

Unrelated, the post from March 4, LANDFILL is now live!

LANDFILL the Post Consumer Publication launches March 20, 2009

2009-03-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

The first day of Spring, March 20, 2009, launches LANDFILL, a publication made in partnership with Greg Barber Co. Environmental printers, Mohawk Paper and myself.

The first issue is titled Second Chances. The issue will be mailed from Mohawk, and is also available online at: www.landfillzine.com
You can sign up for the launch email, and visit the sites of the contributing artists.

LANDFILL is a changing conceptual piece designed around post consumer papers and directed and designed by the Studio. It's been a super fulfilling project, I can wait to share the entire issue in just a few weeks!

TWINS!

2009-02-10T19:02:00.003-05:00

design : related

2009-02-09T17:33:00.003-05:00

I was just informed that I'm the featured designer on design : related's website.
design : related is a networking site, much like facebook, geared toward the creative community.

I have been a member for a year or so, and have met and created professional relationships with several designers from around the world. I met Sun Dawang from China through this site, where I invited him to participate in May 68's poster project, and he invited me to create an image for his wedding a few months later.

I have membership in many of these portfolio sharing services, but d:r actually led to interacting with designers I haven't met in person in 'real' life. I assume it works.

New FEED Bag, available for Valentines Day

2009-02-09T16:00:00.002-05:00

FEED 2 Bag available online at: www.feedprojects.org
We made a cute illustration for the launch, as well as a low-cost local NYC flier campaign. More pictures to come this week...

FEED 2 Bag Feeds 2 school children in a developing nation. It's a new, larger style that's really nicely designed!

60 Years of Human Rights/Free Expression/New Direction

2009-01-20T13:26:00.007-05:00

My piece submitted to a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. I focused on the right to freedom of opinion in the declaration—and my personal feeling of expressing it for the last eight years. Though it hasn't ended, let's call it a pause till after today (1.20.09*). Tomorrow we'll get back to work.

From Zara Arshad, A UK based designer:
See more of 60 years on Zara's flickr.
"I'm sending as many as poss to both established and upcoming designers, to be filled in and sent back to me. The idea is to commemorate and promote 60 years of human rights (2008 is the 60th anniversary of the passing of UDHR: http://www.amnesty.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights-anniversary) which includes the idea of free speech/expression..."

KYLESA FLYER/SECRET SHOW

2009-01-19T14:38:00.005-05:00

New flyer for Hardcore Night,
words from David Castillo:

...So I'm throwing a special "secret" hardcore night on January 28th with Kylesa, Tombs, Black Anvil, Tournament, and the Brass!

It's going to be a monster show and a really fun time. I will be spinning HC jams all night with the rest of the Hardcore Night DJs and we're going to have special guests Bloodbath and Beyond do a DJ set as well!

Get there early cause it's going to sell out!

*If you like Kylesa, here's your chance to see them in a super small venue—like this should be illegal small venue. It should be crazy, we've heard already from Brooklyn Vegan and Diane at WFMU that it's going to go fast—I'll be DJ'ing, come say hi!

MTA Hike, Developements and our collective amnesia.

2009-01-12T17:38:00.002-05:00

(I found this tucked away in a file—it was published last year in an issue of AMNY right after the fare hike and rewards restructure. On the verge of a $3 fare and an unbelievably bankrupt MTA I'm posting it here)

Indypendent Illustration, Post-Palin Feminism

2009-01-10T20:16:00.003-05:00

Here's a peek at a new illo' I just completed for the Indypendent.
It's an article called "Post-Palin Feminism"
You can view the whole article here:
http://www.indypendent.org/2009/01/15/post-palin-feminism/

Find a printed copy locally through the Indy site:
http://www.indypendent.org/?pagename=distribution_locations

HAPPY HOLIDAYS YA'LL

2008-12-24T00:55:00.003-05:00

Advertisements fill the city's visual landscape—especially during the holiday season. I thought a little mental break—I'll wrap 'em all up, they're essentially gifts, right? Just don't open till Christmas.

XO

and let's hope for a peaceful New Year.

(jpegs from my card sent out to the mailing list)

HOW Magazine's Links for 12/08

2008-12-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

http://howdesign.com/top10sitesfordesigners/

Nice!

AIGA wants to discuss design. Duh.

2008-12-05T11:23:00.004-05:00

AIGA's website is filled with lots'a articles and blogs from some of the world's most renown designers and authors on the topic of "design." Some (like articles on the recession, design in historical context, jobs etc.) are chuck full of useful information...but haven't all read this article, "what is design" so many times over. I must have read every examination of Design, from Stockstead to Heller since school. I have probably read this article more times than I've seen that movie, you know, the one they seem to make twice a year. Kids in high school that either learn to dance, battle in dance or against all odds host a dance. It's boooooooring. It also, unbelievably, is NOT important.

Yup, that's right. What we do really isn't THAT important. We're not saving lives, we don't have to define ourselves like a lawyer or a sergeant. (I know, you're going to cite advancements in green packaging and not-for-profits/etc...but c'mon, we as a profession make more junk than possibly any other industry—in 2006 the United States spent 263.77 BILLION dollars in advertising mediums alone—ADAge). Have you ever tried to explain a corporate identity to someone who doesn't know anything about design? Or the difference between "fonts" and "Typefaces?" That's "graphic design."

We play, that's our job, don't forget it. But this isn't AIGA's fault, nor is it scholars, professionals or authors who debate and define this amorphous, and ever growing profession. Since Pushpin, I've heard Seymour constantly defend and battle the idea of "Illustration V. Fine Art," which, also, seems to be blurring in my contemporaries—another reason for the definition. My point? Who cares...and that's not a pessimistic statement, or an angry or apathetic one. It's one that gives you power—to be undefined. With all these advancements in technology and toys, with a little theory and imagination, we as designers can do ANYTHING! Émigré once said, after technology advances, there's a huge bell-curve in our ability as people to catch up—or, for the quality and execution of our work to catch up to the new mediums. I don't see this slowing down anytime soon, so go out and play. Make something new, stop motion live pencil test DV collage? Or, look at Henryk Tomaszewski—after WWII, without any supplies he began making cultural posters with ink and paper because he had NOTHING. He improvised, he played. Take the power of being able to go outside the lines, be undefined and let the critics work that out when you're gone.

NAVY YARD

2008-12-04T18:55:00.006-05:00

The last few shots of LANDFILL led Luke and I to the Navy Yard. Beautiful scenery--go sneak in and see it before its too late. We loved it so much, we just couldn't stay away...just a few hours later we were on the other side of the fence, bailing out our car from the Navy Street Impound Lot.

NEW YORK TIMES ©

2008-11-25T15:14:00.002-05:00

The NY Times will not be suing, so I can finally put this up here.
What an amazing project, I wish I could have seen more of it through...

TRAP THEM/DEATHWISH PARTY

2008-11-11T18:47:00.002-05:00

I've been making flyers, this Hardcore night is a freakin' beer drinking contest to win TrapThem's newest album. It's sick, it's a deathwish inc. party. Don't ask questions, just show up--I'll be in the referee outfit.
Love, Ponto.

MADE IN BUNCH OUT NOW

2008-11-07T15:22:00.004-05:00

Made in Bunch is a logo experiment with almost 300 selected pieces.
You can order a copy here. Paul Davis, Sameister and myself are some of the contributers...and guess who's the first piece (mhmmm).

Halloween Night in London was the book release at the Maverick Showroom, and in Zegreb on November 11 for all those around Croatia at the venue Galerija Karas. You can rsvp at: zagreb@bunchdesign.com

You can view the pieces and order the book through the studio's site:
http://www.madeinbunch.com/

This was my piece for Bunch:

Wow, thanks America.

2008-11-05T15:45:00.001-05:00

And although it was predicted, it was timely, and he was better candidate...I am still in shock that America, as a whole, was capable of what took place last night. I thought, no matter what, America--you'll blow it. But why wouldn't I think this? I participated in my first election in 2000, and again in 04'. My choices were bleak, and the elections were both in their own ways complete forgeries. I've been feeling beaten down by this for the last 8 years--apathetic for this whole 'process'. So again, thanks America for being the jibber-jabber about opportunity, freedom and democracy that's always twisted and contorted into double speak. Thank you. I love that, I'm just going to type that again. Thank you.

Poster: Brian Ponto/José Chicas

New Books for You!

2008-10-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

Just received my copies of two new books I worked on with Seymour at Pushpin: Steven Heller's new volume on the history of Illustration (It's killer) and a children's book Seymour illustrated and conceptualized called Tongue Twisters. This Spring Seymour's huge volume on his own work comes out. It's going to have a big opening in Chelsea with works for sale...

Also newly posted on my site, works for Lauren Pierce who debuted at the Fashion Show at Bryant Park, and The Who Farm's identity. Watch for them on the road up to the election: www.thewhofarm.org (and hopefully beyond!).

And watch for all new posted work updated this fall on brianponto.com

Cheers!

SECRET SHOW AT THE CHARLESTON!!!

2008-10-14T19:00:00.002-04:00

As many of you may know, we've been spinning hardcore night at The Charleston in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This week we're throwing a secret basement show...special guests SAVIOURS from Oakland! I'll be working with creating the hosting group, ChronicYouth's website (and throwing in some flyers for HXC night). Come by and say hi!

Happy Birthday Seymour!

2008-08-19T16:08:00.002-04:00

Love, Ponto.

Chopping is my business...

2008-08-07T12:48:00.001-04:00

And business is good!
New portfolio and corp. id coming in the fall.
Business cards are about chopped through.
(thanks D. Mustaine)

New Nose

2008-07-17T11:43:00.004-04:00

While working with the Pushpin Group, I had the pleasure to work on the President's issue of the Nose, and the new issue that's just been released, "The Unreal" issue. If you'd like copy, follow the links on pushpininc.com and ask for it. Much more soon, cheers!

The previous issue: Presidents

TheWhoFarm continues!

2008-07-09T18:34:00.003-04:00

Daniel here with German Station 1. 2 days left man! The press he's gotten has been incredible, and with it he hopes to change the control of foods in the US. Possibly NYC will be able to feed itself one day?

Daniel has accumulated content by the ton this last week and I can't wait to get started! Much more to come with Friday's 8am iPhone release!

TheWhoFarm and iPhone 3G

2008-07-07T21:45:00.006-04:00

Starting July 4th my previous client at the Gaia Institute, Daneil Bowman Simon, has hired me to bring him a look and identity for his new collective, The Who Farm. He's already been interviewed my CNN, MSNBC, the New York Sun and several international blogs--and the week isn't half way through his wait for an iPhone. Below, an article from Fortune.

(More images from the line and work for TheWhoFarm coming very soon!)

Who’s crazy enough to camp out for a week on the streets of New York City for a chance to be first to buy an iPhone 3G?

TheWhoFarm, that’s who, a newly minted publicity-seeking environmental collective with an agrico-political mission: to persuade the 44th President of the U.S. — whoever that turns out to be — to transform the White House’s 17-acre lawn into an organic farm.

“We’re here to restore the edible landscape,” says Daniel Bowman Simon, 28, the group’s organizer and spokesperson and a young man given to making grand pronouncements. “We want to bring seeds of change back to the White House.”

Daniel and his supporters — there are 10 in town this week, but only five braved the rain that soaked the city overnight Friday – want to set a new Guinness World Record for “longest time waiting in line to buy something.”

But that’s just a vehicle to get attention for their broader concerns — sustainability, affordable housing, energy security, locally-grown food (New York State apples are a big theme this week), and “eating right,” says Simon, “especially our leaders.”

In an open letter to several of those leaders — including Steve Jobs, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomburg — entitled “Waiting for Apples in the Big Apple,” the group lists the tasks it hopes to accomplish in the week they will spend camping out in front of the big glass cube of Apple’s (AAPL) New York City flagship store:

• We will spend a lot of time in a great public space, around the clock.
• We will use mobile solar power from Solar1.
• We will drink NYC’s renowned tap water.
• We will have local healthy food (especially Apples) delivered by our community gardener friends, Greenmarket farmers, and locavore restauranteurs via bicycles and pedicabs.
• We will compost our foodscraps, to help sustain our fragile soil.
• And most importantly, we will talk to whoever happens to stop by about local organic farming as a critical element to sustainable healthy living, food security, youth education, and climate change mitigation. (link)

And, oh yes, they hope to pick up some iPhones when they go on sale next Friday, July 11. Simon plans to buy three: one for Barack Obama, one for John McCain, and one for himself. “We see it as a technology that can liberate us from our desks,” he says.

To Sun, Love Ponto

2008-07-01T21:15:00.003-04:00

My friend Sun Dawang lives in China, and even though we've never met before--we both have a great respect for each other's work. Sun, who recently contributed to the 68 project, ask for me to create an image for his wedding in Shanghai. The symbol for love looked so close to an arrow, well, here ya go Sun. (love Ponto).

May 68 Love part deux

2008-06-05T14:39:00.003-04:00

Okay, this is pretty killer....

Made in BUNCH logo

2008-06-05T14:17:00.001-04:00

See all at:

http://www.madeinbunch.com/

May 68 Love

2008-05-30T10:27:00.007-04:00

May 68-08 has been well received, and copies are available from CSPG in Los Angeles, Just Seeds, and myself in Brooklyn. It will also pop up in a few places thanks to the Art Department of Northwestern and their events in June for 1968 in Chicago, St. Marks Books in New York City, during the University of Berkely's 68 events in California, and Le Bateleur's 1968 poster show in Rome, Italy (September 20th opening).

A big thanks to the artists who contributed a piece, to anyone who helped distro copies, wrote a blog article about the piece, or posted pieces around their city.

http://www.goodmagazine.com/blog/may68

MAY 1968 Anniversary Posters

2008-05-15T14:08:00.007-04:00

For the 40th anniversary of the protests (and street art) of Paris 68 I complied and designed a piece in celebration. Participating artists include: Jody Barton, Scott Boylston, Seymour Chwast, Sun Dawang, Gwenaëlle Gobé, Josh MacPhee, Finn Nygaard, UG Sato, Chris Stain, James Victore, Brett Yasko, John Yates (and myself), with an introduction by Carol Wells of CSPG.

Like the originals, the piece is made from 1 color tabloid prints, distro'ed for free through several places including CSPG. You can also order one from me via mail (+ shipping and handling), you can contact me direct. Otherwise, I will be listing on Monday/Tuesday the final events/shows and galleries distributing copies through the US and abroad.

Essay from Carol Wells:
68 was an explosive, creative and legendary year. Many student activists believed that 1968 was the start of a world wide revolution. Almost four decades before 2003, when the Internet helped coordinate the participation of between 10 and 40 million people in simultaneous world wide demonstrations against the Iraq War, there was 1968, the year that student-led protests erupted around the world. Whether protesting the Viet Nam War or domestic repression—and often linking the two—protestors in Chicago, Mexico City, Paris, Prague, Tokyo and many other cities were tear gassed, clubbed and shot. The death tolls in Mexico City are still disputed. The one thing is not disputed, is the importance of graphics to publicize the demands and grievances. Hundreds of posters anonymously produced by artists and students were plastered all over Paris and other cities. Those produced through the Atelier Populaire were the most widely distributed and are the best known today. Their power, simplicity and directness communicated the students’ demands, and helped forge solidarity with French workers. The brief but almost mythical French student-worker alliance led to a general strike throughout France by ten million French workers, roughly two-thirds of the French workforce.
The posters of Paris 1968 inspired—and in some cases were directly copied—by students and artists across the world. Forty years later they continue to inspire. Forty years later, there is another unpopular and devastating war, countless workers are still exploited, human rights abuses abound and many governments are more powerful and repressive than ever. The posters in this portfolio make direct reference to the rawness and forcefulness of the posters of Paris ’68. They also speak directly to contemporary issues. If a poster makes you think about the world, it has achieved its goal. If a poster makes you think about the world a little differently, inspires action, moves you to publicly post them or makes you want to design your own poster, it has exceeded its goal.

There has never been a movement for social change without the arts—music, poetry, theater, posters— being central to that movement. Posters are one of the most accessible and democratic art forms. They can educate, agitate and inspire. We need powerful graphics now more than ever, as a weapon in the ongoing struggle for peace with justice. —Carol A. Wells

FEED 100 Bag at Wholefoods...

2008-05-12T20:22:00.002-04:00

"Today Whole Foods stores nationwide will start selling a new bag designed by the model and niece of President Bush, Lauren Bush. This is the second design in her "FEED" bag line. 37,000 bags were sold of the original design, which was available on Amazon for $59.99. The "FEED" bags use the proceeds of purchases to feed hungry children in developing nations through the UN World Food Program.

With one purchase of the new bag, called "FEED 100," you will provide 100 school meals to children. It is designed to be more suitable for everyday shopping trips and has a more everyday price tag of $29.99. It is made of 100% organic cotton and sustainable burlap and zips into a small pouch, which can be stored in a day bag and used on a shopping trip instead of a plastic bag..." (from the daily green)

Lauren will soon be introducing a new bag for sale in a downtown boutique, which she hired me to execute a little portion of. I haven't seen her new design yet, but they continue to get more and more interesting. Herein is a photo of her newest bag, and I hope to blog about the third very soon!

EARTH DAY (co-opted by the man)

2008-04-23T21:52:00.007-04:00

I really wanted this one to be simple, just one lil' sapling (welcome to the world, Thunder Lips) to be planted for Earth Day. With the entire water front now under development, the only sliver that's open to the public closes at 7pm. So, while lil' Thunder Lips did indeed get his room with one helluva view today, it all had to be done from outside the new 10 foot gate. My Earth Day hope is that, by the time TL is large enough to climb on, the world will be a better place--a place that respects the park space; free, accessible and open to all.

Unpaid Gig Blog

2008-04-03T16:08:00.002-04:00

I've started a new blog project,
http://unpaidgig.blogspot.com/

It's simple; it airs the dialog going on on job boards--people in the creative industry's insightful, cheeky, sometimes angry responses to bad deals, pro-bono posts, and calls for spec work.

Brethren, if you come across something good, feel free to post it here.

EARLY DESIGN courtesy of "Now In Color"

2008-03-26T13:35:00.007-04:00

I uploaded and participated in Andy Whitlock's EARLY DESIGN piece.

THEN:

My thesis/portfolio project, Proactive Portfolio, completed during my senior year with Paul Sahre at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York. The portfolio was editable, required feedback from the interviewer and in turn--flopped the role of the interview process by collecting and judging creative feedback from the portfolio drop-off.

Though it did not yeild a corner office upon completion, it helped shaped the way I was (going) to understand how to think as a mature creative, as well as its inspiration to continue to pursue an independent/author role as a designer.

Photo: SVA's graduation, May 2004.

NOW: www.brianponto.com

I thought it best, as an applied designer, to compare my product from school to the present one, my portfolio.

As I grow and continue to apply the ideas I began to form while attending school, I have a new presentation that's very much rooted in the Proactive Portfolio. Though one has to find balance in the "real world" with personal and applied art, this body of work (I believe) I have accumulated over the last several years contain the same heart, same values and ideas. And though it can't all be just ideas--removed from application--my weirdo thesis with emphasis on community and communication has put me into the hands of org's, community groups, not-for-profits and other do gooders that, if the 2004 self could see, would approve.

Photo: March 2008, studio-Brooklyn, NY.

5 Years of War, Indy Issue

2008-03-20T12:37:00.004-04:00

The Indy's 5 years of the Iraq War is out now. Check it online at: www.indypendent.org

Below is my piece. You can find it in print around NYC, including: the Alligator Lounge, St. Marks Books, TimesUp!, and the Cake Shop, among many others. Check the indy's website for a complete listing of stores who distro the Indy for free.

HK Triennial

2008-03-05T10:49:00.014-05:00

When my first news post launched on brianponto.com on January 2nd., it included a couple of shows I was luck enough to be included in. Unfortunately with one show in San Francisco, and another in Hong Kong, I was unable to upload images—until now. Just the other day I came across these on Flickr from the HK International Poster Triennial. The works great, and the catalog is now out. The piece of mine included are; "Republicans...EAT!" and "Freedom of the Press, Issue No. 2—Election" Flickr "Hong Kong Triennial" for more.

PRINT (the band) logo

2008-02-27T11:50:00.003-05:00

Noisy band from Brooklyn. I just loved this logo.

For the dreamers...

2008-02-26T13:17:00.004-05:00

According to the US government, we are still technically at war with North Korea. So, if art can help end a war, would it then be able to receive some of that sweet defense cash from out national budget? Truly magic.

DKNY Ghost Bikes

2008-02-25T18:43:00.005-05:00

Outside the train stop on Bedford and North 7th, there's several racks reserved for bicycle parking. 2 or 3 weeks ago I noticed an orange bicycle, resembling the Krylon coat of the Ghost Bikes, appeared chained in a bike's spot. The ghost bike project is a memorial project which started in Missouri. You've probably seen the white spray painted bikes locked in your neighborhood with flowers--they are dedicated to the memory of fallen cyclists.

I was a bit confused when I saw the orange cruiser chained up that morning. Was this related to the memorial project--It most certainly wasn't just a bad paint job (the teeth on the cranks were still coated=nobody rode this bike). A Half cocked bicycle

protest? Nope. DKNY fixed a few dozen of these to trees, bike racks and street posts to promote their spring line (which, has nothing to do with cycling or orange bikes). It's not that I'm offended (though many in the cycling community were) I just wanted to let DKNY know they really missed a beautiful opportunity. They could have used the orange bikes as their new Spring message (branding), and gave these away for people to ride. They could have merged the ideas of their brand, and city living: exploration, adventure, safety, pollution, mass transit...All the while, NY would be filled with orange DKNY ads peddling along the bike lanes, lining the front of brunch spots in the East Village, contrasting the green hills in Central Park and stopping for shopping...with all the great press, I dunno, DKNY stores maybe?

Instead, they turned NYPD into trash men, sawing through chains and hauling pounds trashed bicycles (that we pay them to do). Donna, HUGE possibility missed...hey, I wonder if Steve Mona is going to pay her a visit?

Sagmeister's things learned.

2008-02-22T13:34:00.007-05:00

Can he do no wrong? Sagmeister's show (up through this weekend at Deitcth Projects) is an inspirational and fragrant personal piece on things (10) he's learned so far. I'm loving the community effort with the window disply...inviting friends (fellow artists/designers) to draw the exhibition's information on the front window as it steamed (with their finger).

The participation wasn't really advertised (or if it was I missed it) but while at Seymour's I over heard him talking to his wife Paula Scher about her participation date. I can't help it, I love the community vibe. Plus, if documented would make a nice piece in itself (using his form of hnadwriting, through the hand of other noteworthy creatives).

I found it quite humble to quote only 10 truths from his extensive career (all humorously presented) as well as the first room, a series of sketchbooks, presented to the participants to write what they have learned in their life (pictured first). Awesome, I'm stealing it.

It's a book too, check it on Amazon-they have it at the best price I've found.

(living type banana wall)

In the begining...

2008-02-18T12:49:00.003-05:00

...and God saw it good.

Hello, and welcome to the blog of Brian Ponto. This space will provide me with a lil' online sketchbook of ideas, inspirations and stories. A supliment to brianponto.com, with a bent towards process, ideas and loose/raw content.

If you've reached this site on your own, and would like to learn more about me and what it is I do, please, take a peek at my site: www.brianponto.com

more?

soon come,

-b.