Design Bandits

May Madness

2011-05-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

There's something about Spring that gets people moving. I guess that's why this month is our busiest yet. Helena just won the poster contest for the Sawtooth Music Festival--check it out--->
Ain't she a beauty? But that's not all. We also went and got ourselves a shiny new press. We still have our old press, but the new one is portable. What does that mean for you, you might ask? I'm about to tell you.

It means you'll find us printing up our tasty designs live and in person at local events. That's right--now you can see the magic happen right before your eyes. When can I get a glimpse of this awe-inspiring spectacle, you're probably wondering? Patience, grasshopper...I'm getting there.

Our first live event will be Boise's Community Progressive on May 21st outside the Linen Building. The event is being organized by United Vision for Idaho and we'll have several designs for you to choose from. I'll even let you have a go at printing your own shirt (if you can handle the pressure). We'll be there from noon till four, but other events throughout town will be going on all day, including live music and more.

As if that wasn't enough, our shirt for the Afghan Womens Justice Project will be back in Marie Claire on May 15th. This time it will be worn be the lovely Sophia Bush. Now I've got to stop writing and get back to work!

Style is Everywhere

2011-02-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

I find myself being inspired by all sorts of objects, from natural forms to product design. In this case I came across some examples of lamp designs that are bursting with originality. With all these superb designs out there it makes me wonder why we see so few variations on the "standard" lamp design in most homes and other buildings. Some of these are definitely over my decorating budget, but surely an object that provides such a crucial element as light deserves more consideration. Here they are as posted on indeziner. And just a couple of my favorites:

I love the play on scale in this one from Anglepoise

A very clever take on a hanging lamp from das-rote-paket

What I'm Reading: Chew

2011-02-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

I don't get to buy many comics these days. Diapers and printing ink take priority. But, thanks to one of the best Christmas gifts I received, I have a new obsession: Chew. It's been praised high and low, and it's already won an Eisner award, but I thought I'd add my voice to the chorus. Chew, written by John Layman and drawn by Rob Guillory, is quite simply one of the most original, best drawn comics I've EVER come across. I won't even attempt to describe the storyline, as it would ruin the fun. If you really want to know more before reading, go to the website here. Or just go out and buy the book! Even if you don't normally read comics, you will love this.

Not Guilty

2011-01-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas we received an email from journalist Karen Day about designing something for her charity, the Afghan Womens Justice Project. After reading her article, now out in February's Marie Claire, there was no question that we wanted to be a part of this very deserving cause. The biggest challenge was getting a design finished in one day before the magazine went to print! We knew the design would feature the text "Not Guilty", but beyond that we had free reign. Using a font straight out of the box was out of the question. So, using some ink brushstrokes, we tried to evoke the feelings of desperation, violence, and emotional distress with the situation described in Karen's article. We printed up the design on a t-shirt, sent a photo to Karen, and before we knew it, there it was in the pages of Marie Claire! Sometimes ones best work is created under tight deadlines, and while there is certainly room for improvement, we are pleased with the results. We hope everyone will consider buying one of the shirts. Your donations go directly to literacy training teachers and defense attorneys.

Window Designs

2010-12-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

We've recently finished screen printing some custom Christmas designs on the windows at Le Cafe de Paris in downtown Boise, on Capitol Blvd. It was great fun, albeit very cold at times! The windows are part of the Winter Window Gallery Stroll which kicks off on First Thursday, Dec. 2. They will be on display all month so make sure to check them out. Here are some pictures and a bit more official info from the Downtown Boise Association website.

"Local artists and businesses have teamed up to create fantastic holiday window art for the 5th Annual Winter Window Gallery Stroll, beginning on First Thursday, December 2nd. The Winter Window Gallery Stroll features the work of many local artists who have loaned their creative talent to dress downtown Boise in holiday style. Visit www.downtownboise.org for more information."

2010-11-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

 Getting Crafty

It's that time of year when I like to get a bit crafty. One of my fondest Christmas memories is making paper Christmas Tree ornaments with my Polish Grandmother. Last year I decided to share my tradition and would love to again. Although now I like to hunt for gorgeous fabrics to use. You can find my 'Feliksa Stars' at Twigs and Twist, North End Organic Nursery and BAM Store.  Helena Kruczynska

Wesołych Świąt!

Christmas Patterns

2010-11-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

With Halloween over there's no time to waste preparing for the holidays. We started off by designing some snowflake patterns for a Marks & Spencer competition. Who knows, maybe someone will be wrapping or opening a present with our wrapping paper!

Where have we been?

2010-10-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

First post since the addition of our new little bandit, Max. It's not too difficult to see what influence he's had on my work. I've always watched plenty of cartoons, but now I've got an even better excuse. So, that combined with the little baby wolf sounds he makes and what is probably the funnest holiday of the year approaching equals: wolfboy.

the Clink Room Boise Hawks Phase V Edition

2010-04-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big baseball fan, but I can't deny a cool design. Add to that the fact that Boise is my home team and that makes this cap a must have for the Summer. I think all of The Clink Room caps are super. If I had a baseball team I'd want these guys making our uniforms. As it turns out, I'm not the only one. They also design logos for MLB. If you like it you'd better act fast though. They only offer an edition of 150. Get on over and check out all of their sweet

designs .

Mark Your Calendars

2010-03-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

With all the sunshine we've been getting lately, it's hard not to feel a bit of Spring fever. Time to get into the garden, put away the wool socks and dig out some t-shirts. Even better, why not have a look at our brand new t-shirts? Once again, we'll be joining some of the area's most creative folks on March 21 at the
Linen Building Sunday Market . Not only will you find our own creations, but much more to put you in the mood for the new season!

Wonder Woman

2010-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

We're pretty humble folks, but sometimes it's necessary to toot one's own horn. And in this case, it's totally appropriate. It's high time the better half of the Design Bandits got some props! As if it's not enough that she's currently pregnant, she's also been brandishing her design and illustration skills like Obi Wan with a lightsaber. Easy for you to say, you may think. Well, it's not just me who thinks so. Some of her illustrations have recently been published in the new book by AVA Books. The newest in their Basics Fashion Design series features some illustration greats, and Helena's work holds its own right by their side. If you love fashion, figure drawing, and/or great illustration, do yourself a favor and check out the book. Here are a couple of links to help you on your way.

http://www.amazon.com/Basics-Fashion-Design-Drawing/dp/2940411158/ref=sr_1_53?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265226606&sr=1-53

http://www.avabooks.ch/index.php/ava/bookdetails/978-2-940411-15-3

And as a reminder of the skills this lady possesses, check out this new shirt, featuring 90 drawings of some classy ladies.

This One's for The Lovers Out There

2010-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

One month to go for that perfect gift. Sure, you could get a box of chocolates or some flowers, but after a few weeks you're just left with some stinky water in a vase and a chubby boyfriend. A customized gift from Design Bandits, however, will last forever! So get to our website and check out the prices, fill out a quote form (just mention this coupon in the special section) and we'll help you woo that special someone.

Pics for The Pix

2009-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

We had a caffeine-filled good time at the Pics for The Pix event at the Flying M Coffee Garage in Nampa last week. There's nothing like giving to a good cause, and we were happy to do our part, donating some shirts for the silent auction.

If you want to find out more about The Pix, and what you can do to help, go to their website: http://thepixtheatre.com/pixed/

First Thursday Success

2009-12-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at First Thursday last week. a HUGE thanks to Ingrid of Ingrid's Hair Design for letting us use her space, and just for being an all around cool lady. She's definitely on the Design Bandits' "nice list" this holiday season. And speaking of holidays, quite a few people bought presents for their loved ones' from us. Thanks folks! We can't wait to see people out on the streets sporting our designs. Check out our setup from Thursday, and keep your eyes open for our online shop--coming soon.

Also included is a photo of me looking extra-goofy. Actually, I always look like this when I'm on the press, cuz it makes me so darn happy!

Design Bandits Get Noticed by the Gov

2009-11-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

Idaho governor Butch Otter had a chuckle on Saturday, when he came across one of the t-shirts we whipped up for the Boise State vs
U of I game. Sorry the photo is a bit fuzzy (we didn't take it), but we love seeing people out and about with our shirts! Please send us more photos of yourselves and your friends enjoying our designs.

Splat Native Design

2009-11-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here's an old sketch I've reworked for a new t-shirt design. I've got a few more I'll be doing, all based on ink splatters. Lot's more stuff to come soon, so keep checking back. All these designs will be available to buy too.

Website Update

2009-10-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

We just finished updating our website! The update includes a new "Services" page with more detailed descriptions of the different screen printing methods we use. Of course I could tell you more, but you really should check it out for yourself!
http://design-bandits.com/Services.html

Discharge Printing

2009-10-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hey folks--so you don't like your shirts to have a bulletproof layer of ink on them? Well, we've got the answer for you--discharge printing! What, you may ask, is discharge printing? It's a special technique used for printing on colored garments where, instead of printing a base layer of white ink then layering on top, we print with discharge ink. Discharge ink actually removes the dye from the garment so that we can then print with water-based inks. The result is a great looking garment with an extremely soft feel. Have a look!

New Work

2009-10-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

We just finished printing some new designs, and they're pretty darn cool if we do say so ourselves. One was inspired by Billie Holiday and colors of Fall, while the other is a mish-mash of Polish folk-art and Halloween influences--bet you didn't see that one coming did ya?

This next one is a design we worked up for our client, Mary. She brought us a super-cool photo of Granddad on his Harley from 1915. He's a far cry from the leather clad riders of today, but even with a bow-tie and suspenders, he's still got attitude. We added the scroll and some wings to make this design fly, and Mary loved it.

Design Bandits Paint The Town of Boise

2009-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

A wave of graffiti hit Boise recently, targeting some of it's most beloved landmarks. Some of the buildings included the Cabana Inn, the Egyptian Theater, the Gene Harris Band Shell, and even City Hall. While some residents don't quite know what to make of it, we think the graffiti is an improvement.

The group behind the action is making

no attempt to hide their identity. You guessed it. It was the Design Bandits. If this is the first time you've seen their artwork before, we guarantee it won't be the last.

The Design Bandits' work is not restricted only to graffiti. You might also see their designs on t-shirts, hoodies, or even towels.

Welcome!

2009-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The first official post on our new blog. But, it doesn't mean a thing if there's nobody reading it. So, go on and press one of the little buttons over on the right to become a follower of the blog. We've got lots of good stuff planned for you, like offers only available to our loyal fans. But first we thought we'd share some photos with you. We've been gathering equipment and supplies for a while now, but by far the shiniest, and most useful is our new 6-color press. Here's Jason assembling this ink-slinging beast in our shop......and Helena buried in a mountain of new supplies.....and a pile of screens just begging to be used! So what are you waiting for? Call us up and order some shirts. Become a follower of our blog and we'll even give you a 10% discount on your first order!