I was lucky enough to find and purchase seven of the fourteen issues of the influential art and design publication Avant Garde.

It may take awhile, but I plan to document each of the issues, starting with number two. Issue two was published in March of 1968. It was edited by Ralph Ginzburg and art directed by the legendary Herb Lubalin. The issue features a screen-printed cover, and a series of twelve Marilyn Monroe-based serigraph (screen) prints by Bert Stern, with various contributing illustrators throughout.

Avant Garde 2, via studiotwentysix2 flickr

Labels: Avant Garde, Bert Stern, flickr, Herb Lubalin, Marilyn Monroe, Ralph Ginzburg, studiotwentysix2

There are a few items of note I wanted to share...

I now have a twitter account: @tomdavie. Unfortunately I won't be using it to update you on where I am, or what I'm reading, watching or eating, because honestly, my pizza eating schedule is really not that interesting. I will be using the account to automatically feed new updates on the studiotwentysix2 site and blog, as well as Good Type, Bad Type, Well Designed and interactive alley. A one-stop-shop if you will.

Good Type, Bad Type was created as part of my introduction to typography teaching process, and although that class finished in December, I will keep the site updated as often as I can. I'm always looking for new work to post, so if you run across something of interest, send the URL my way.

Well Designed and interactive alley are also to be used as teaching aids. Well Designed is dedicated to all forms of print, packaging and publication design, while interactive alley is dedicated to site design, movies, title sequences and kinetic typography. Again, if you come across some impressive work, please let me know.

As for this blog, the titles of each post are now clickable links; this will make it easier to get the permanent URL for bookmarking and sharing.

Tom Davie via Twitter

Labels: blog, Good Type Bad Type, interactive alley, resource, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, Twitter, update, Well Designed

I just uploaded a set of typographic research photographs taken from 2006 - 2009. Enjoy.

Tombstone Typography

Labels: flickr, graphic design, photography, resource, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, tombstone typography

I've been blog tinkering the past few days, having added three subtle but useful new features. Each post will now offer a bookmark and share feature, to quench all your bookmarking and sharing needs.

If you look to the north, there is now an easy-to-use RSS feature located in the main address bar, this should eliminate all your feed needs. And last but not least, the option to receive new posts by email is now available (a permanent link for email opt-in is now located in the sidebar), or you can click here.

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

I recently set up a portfolio on the Behance Network, which considers itself "a platform for creative portfolios, projects, and collaborations." There is a nice mixture of well-known and lesser-known artists and designers, and most of the work represented seems to range from decent to exceptional quality.

If you're a creative, you might want to consider joining, or, if you're just interested in keeping tabs on contemporary art & design, you might have a good time simply browsing.

Tom Davie on Behance Network

Labels: Behance Network, fine art, graphic design, illustration, resource, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

It may take some time to finish organizing and uploading the work, but studiotwentysix2 is now officially on flickr. My photostream will feature a sampling of posters, prints, drawings and client work, with images being available at a large 900 pixels. The direct flickr link is posted below, and I will continue to upload work to the site, as time and energy allows.

studiotwentysix2 : the art + design of tom davie via flickr

Labels: fine art, flickr, graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

My typographic-based White Space poster is now available for download as an iPhone wallpaper via typenuts (a member of the i love typography network). Enjoy.

Tom Davie's White Space via typenuts

Labels: blog, graphic design, iPhone wallpaper, resource, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, typenuts

I added two typographic-based posters to the site this week, and I'm currently in the process of finishing two more.

Also, the Good Type, Bad Type site, has been a pretty successful part of my current typography class; if you're a designer with a great archive of contemporary and historical type examples that you would like to digitally share, please feel free to contact me.

Tom Davie : Typographic Posters 03 & 04

Good Type, Bad Type.

Labels: Good Type Bad Type, poster, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I was recently asked to contribute work for the upcoming Create Democracy poster exhibition that will be part of London's Design Event '09. Since the theme of the exhibition is democracy, only the posters with highest vote totals will be exhibited during the event. If you would like to support my design work, visit the link below and vote for my posters to be included in the exhibition.

About Create Democracy...

Democracy is a challenging new graphic design exhibition forming part of Design Event, the North East's annual design festival. We're aiming to create the ultimate democratic exhibition; we're inviting designers and illustrators to submit their visual interpretation of the theme of Democracy and only those with the most votes will be featured in the exhibition. All qualifying entries are showcased on this website and you can then vote for your favourite. You can also leave comments on the work and get in contact with the artist/designer behind them.

This project is a unique chance for designers and artists to pit their work against peers from all over the world. It is also a great platform to promote your creative talent to thousands of art-lovers and design-fans engaging with Design Event 09. Feel free to use Facebook, MySpace, forums etc. to spread the word and get people to vote for your work.

Rise to the challenge and participate in the process. The sooner you submit, the more votes you have the potential to get, so get cracking...

View my posters

Vote or submit at Create Democracy site

Labels: Create Democracy, Design Event 09, graphic design, illustration, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

Semi-related to yesterday's post, I too have been working on a set of typographic-based posters. Click the link, and you can preview the first two posters from the series...

Tom Davie : Typographic Posters

Labels: graphic design, poster, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

The redesign is official. Let me be the first to welcome you to the home of the new studiotwentysix2 blog. It may take a while to get used to the visual changes, but hopefully they are for the better. This entry represents the new post formatting. The main text column has increased in width, and the images will now be a consistent 550 x 300 pixels.

I have no intention of going back and updating previous posts with the updated format, they will remain 'as is.' You may also notice some funky characters in previous posts as well; it appears that all special characters did not make a smooth transition with the upload. I may go back and fix those, as time and energy allows.

If you have feedback on the new-look blog or site, feel free to let me know what you think. I will be back to my regular posting duties on Monday.

Tom

Labels: blog, site design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

Here’s an additional poster inspired from the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

As time and interest allows, I have decided to integrate drawings from the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project into some new design and fine art work. The first piece in this undertaking is the poster titled, Something Good Always Comes Out of Failure.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

The 30 Drawings in 30 Days project is now complete. It was more difficult than I anticipated having to conceptualize, create a layout and render each piece in a 24-hour span. It was a good experience, but I enjoy taking a bit more time to develop my thoughts. Thanks to everyone who regularly visited the blog.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Somehow, I overlooked the fact that the This Drawing Could Be Yours contest should have ended last Friday, and not tomorrow. That being said, Jeff has officially secured himself a drawing, as he had the most blog comments on Friday, March 06.

Due to my mistake, if anyone surpasses Jeff’s total of six comments by tomorrow at noon, they will be given a drawing as well. If more than one person surpasses Jeff’s total, the drawing will go to the person with the highest total.

I am in the process of uploading some new work to the studiotwentysix2 site. I have removed the abstract painting category from the main navigation and replaced it with drawings from the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project. The abstract work will remain on the site, and can be viewed here.

I will also try to upload additional work to the cryptography and independent categories over the next few days as well.

studiotwentysix2

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, site design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

With one week remaining in the comment counting, Jeff is in the lead with 5. Danielle with 4. Brian, Mike, Mary and Bob, and Jacqui with 1.

REMINDER:

I have completed 24 of the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project — be sure to check out the site and see how the work is progressing.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update, win this drawing

I thought today’s drawing seemed nicely resolved — here’s a direct link with a detail image.

Day 20

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

At the halfway point of comment counting, Jeff is in the lead with 5. Danielle with 2. Brian, Mike, Mary and Bob, and Jacqui with 1.

REMINDER:

I have completed the first 17 days of the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project — be sure to check out the site and see how the work is progressing.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update, win this drawing

After the first week of comment counting, Jeff is in the lead with 3. Danielle with 2. Brian with 1.

REMINDER:

I have completed the first 10 days of the 30 Drawings in 30 Days project — be sure to check out the site and see how the work is progressing.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update, win this drawing

Title: Replenish the Earth
Medium: Graphite on 104lb. translucent vellum
Artist: Tom Davie
Size: 9 x 7 inches
Date: 2009

In an effort to attract new readers and to encourage the participation of current ones, this original graphite drawing is in search of a new home.

The rules are simple, beginning now, I will keep track of reader comments and whoever has the most as of Friday, March 06, 2009, will find themselves the proud owner of this work — I will even cover the shipping costs.

In order to be eligible, you must:
1. Have access to a computer, carrier pigeon messages sent to my home will not be counted
2. Have a porch, mailbox, or P.O. Box so I can send you the drawing
3. Be at least 14. I’m not fond of sending small children random packages, plus I don’t want calls from any irate parents

How comments will be counted:
1. I will moderate all comments, this will allow me to keep track of who posted what, when
2. Use one consistent comment ID, if you comment under three different names I can’t keep track of you
3. Anonymous posts will not be counted
4. Irrelevant one word or spam comments will be discarded
5. If you view a comment on the site, it means that it has been moderated and counts toward your total

Where you can comment:
1. Any post on the studiotwentysix2 blog
2. Any post on the 30 Drawings in 30 Days site

How will I know where I stand?
1. Each Friday, the top five commenters will be identified with their totals

When does the commenting period for this drawing close?
1. Friday, March 06, 2009. 12:00 EST
2. Any comments made after 12:00 will not count toward your total

I have the most comments, now what:
1. Sit back and relax, but first give me an address so I can send you the well-earned drawing.

For a closer inspection, here are two detail shots of the drawing:

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, win this drawing

New Project Alert!

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

In an effort to experiment without hesitation and explore variations in composition, abstraction and letterforms, I have decided to pursue a month-long project entitled 30 Drawings in 30 Days.

Beginning today, and continuing through March 12, I will create and post 30 new works that will be used as inspiration for a future set of larger paintings and drawings.

Each of the 30 drawings will be available for purchase through the 30 Drawings in 30 Days site, or by contacting me directly.

Tom Davie: 30 Drawings in 30 Days

Bonus Goodness: As mentioned in one of my previous posts, I want to encourage reader comments and participation. As incentive, I will be giving one of my readers a drawing from this project — more details later in the week.

(Note: I will not be posting the 30 drawings here on the studiotwentysix2 blog. To view a new drawing each day, please bookmark and visit the 30 Drawings in 30 Days site.)

Labels: 30 Drawings in 30 Days, artist, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

After spending much of the week revamping this site, there was very little time for art and design making. So in lieu of spending yesterday putting together a Featured Art update, I spent most of the day creating this 18 x 24" illustrated poster. I based the illustration off of the photograph below — a completely random house that is located in Ypsilanti, MI.

The entire poster was created using Adobe Illustrator.

Labels: illustration, poster, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

It’s not your imagination; things look slightly different around here.

Due to a Blogger conflict, I had to choose between keeping the original layout, and creating a new layout that would allow the recently added labels feature to work properly.

For the past three days, I have been working within the confines of a Blogger-approved layout, to make it similar to the original blog format. There are a few changes for the better, including: slightly larger images, RSS for posts and comments, the ability to email a post, and the troublesome, yet now resolved labels feature — which I am still working to complete.

Feedback is welcome.

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

It’s time once again to bring forth the celebration monkeys, as the blog is rapidly approaching 300 posts.

I’ve been evaluating the site to determine what could improve — from the aspect of retaining old readers and attracting new ones, to encouraging a greater level of participation from all those involved — myself included. So for the short-term, here’s the plan:

#1) I have added a “submit” link, located above “Last posts” in the column to the right. By submitting, you can inform me of interesting links, worthwhile artists and designers, or art happenings that might be of note. If I use your submission, you will be aptly credited by any name you like, and said name will be linked to any site you request.*

#2) I am in the process of adding reference tags to all 300 posts. It’s time consuming, and not terribly exciting, but I think it will dramatically improve the usability of the site — and will aid in the search of older posts that may be difficult to otherwise locate. I’m sure this function will be elementary to many of you, but for those unfamiliar, there will be a series of labels at the end of each post. When clicked, these labels will take you to a page containing all the previous posts with the same keyword.

At this point I am less than a third of the way through the process, but aim to have the labeling completed late next week.

#3) To become more consistent about posting, I am going to (on a temporary trial period) add a new entry Monday through Friday. Each weekday there will be at least one new post, with additional humor and Featured Art posts as they are completed. This will begin on Monday January 19th at noon (EST), and will continue for four weeks — at which point I will reevaluate the response and effectiveness.

#4) To encourage reader commenting and participation, I’m considering an artwork bribe. Perhaps a screen print or small work to the reader with the most comments over the course of a month, or to whoever is able to bring in a gaggle of new recruits.


Over the Long term, I plan to conduct several artist and designer interviews, as well as evaluate the overall look of the blog. A redesign is something that would not be done hastily, as I can’t stand when sites that I enjoy change their look and functionality. I like the current look, but feel that larger imagery and a wider text column might be beneficial.

Well, that’s it for now. Be on the lookout for my super-epic post that contains the 25 top television opening sequences from 1953 through 1990 — it has been several weeks in the making.

Tom

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

I have just posted the first Featured Art work of 2009 on the studiotwentysix2 site.

Unfortunately, my time was spread thin towards the end of 2008, and I was unable to update the Featured Art section as much as I would have liked. I have a feeling that my schedule will once again be erratic, but I will make every effort to consistently update the work — perhaps every other week.

To learn more about the mixed-media piece cipher [348], visit the link below.

Featured Art : January 08

Labels: artist, cipher, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I’m sure I was missed during my recent hiatus; I took some time to go visit the parents, and when I returned, needed to catch-up on some missed work.

Last week I was unable to post a Featured Art work, as I chose to go to a political rally instead and hear one of the Presidential candidates speak in person — it was too rare an opportunity to pass-up.

This week’s Featured Art has been uploaded on the studiotwentysix2 site. To learn more about the print Multiple Portraits, visit the link below.

Featured Art : October 15

Labels: artist, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

This week’s Featured Art has been uploaded on the studiotwentysix2 site. To learn more about the graphite drawing Introverted Reed (1974), visit the link below.

Featured Art : October 02

Labels: artist, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

Featured Art is up-and-running again after last week’s power failure. To learn more about the mixed-media piece, cipher [5726], visit the link below.

Featured Art : September 25

Labels: artist, cipher, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

This week’s Featured Art has been uploaded on the studiotwentysix2 site. To learn more about the mixed-media piece, cipher [6248], visit the link below.

Featured Art : September 11

Labels: cipher, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

This week’s Featured Art has been uploaded on the studiotwentysix2 site. To learn more about the print, Getta Mega Meal, visit the link below.

Featured Art : September 04

Labels: Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

Be sure to check out the news page over on the studiotwentysix2 main site, as I’ve just added a few new items, including: three desktop downloads, and the logo for Southern California-based Venue Gurus.

studiotwentysix2 news

Labels: graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

This week’s Featured Art has been uploaded on the studiotwentysix2 site. To learn more about Paths Unto The Dead from The Parishioner Series, visit the link below.

Also, I have created a Featured Art archive, where all the past features will be accessible.

Featured Art : August 28

Labels: Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

The reason for the lack of posts this week, was due entirely to the total revamping of the studiotwentsix2 shop. It’s now the Featured Art section — where each week a single work will be showcased with a complete description, commentary and work-in-progress / research images. You can check it out here: Featured Art.

You also might notice on the blog’s right hand column, there is now an email opt-in for news and art + design updates. So, if you enjoy what I’m doing here, be sure to join in.

Labels: cipher, Featured Art, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I keep getting asked to show a few more samples from my new series — so to appease the masses; I have just uploaded a preview page of mixed-media goodness.

There is just enough work to give you an idea about materials and variety, but not enough to keep you from seeing an exhibition. If you are curious, prices haven’t been set yet, but if you see something you like, send me an email.

cipher preview

Labels: artist, cipher, graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I’m a few posts late, but it’s time to bust-out the celebration monkeys. Last week, the blog surpassed the 200-post mark. Woo Hoo.

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

I posted these in the main site’s news section a few weeks back, but I figured not everybody keeps up with both sites, so I decided to show them here as well.

A few months ago, I wondered how my art would translate onto skate decks — so I spent a few days playing around, and these four designs are what I came up with.

Just a little update...

On the fine art front, I have been working like a man possessed lately. The pieces are just flowing, and the new style and concept are coming together quite nicely. I have produced significantly more work than I have either written about or shown images of. I am going to hold-off showing a majority of the work until after I’m done contacting the 100 or so galleries that are still on my “to do” list. Here is one of the new pieces...

Labels: artist, graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

My new body of work is coming along quite nicely, and I’m just a few weeks away from inviting curators and gallery directors in for a visit. There’s an interesting variety of work being produced, including original works on wood and canvas, and paintings and drawings on found objects.

Here’s one of my newest found object pieces...it just wasn’t complete until I added the chrome dice valve cap.

Labels: cipher, fine art, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I am currently working on several large-scale paintings, that when finished, will exceed 10 by 5 feet each. As part of this new work, I am incorporating record albums and their cardboard packaging, and as it stands, am currently trying to get my hands on as much vinyl as I can.

If you happen to have any 12-inch (78 rpm) vinyl albums, complete with their original cardboard sleeve, collecting dust, or packaged in a box, never to be used or seen again, please consider donating them to my project. Good music, bad music, it really doesn’t matter, I will take anything you would like to rid yourself of. For your generous donation, your name will be listed alongside the completed piece anytime the work is exhibited.

If you are able to help out with an album or two, send me an email — Much thanks, Tom.

Labels: cipher, fine art, graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I finally got around to putting some additional work on the studiotwentysix2 site. Not every category has updated work, but the portrait, graphic, independent, cryptography and shop sections all have a little extra somethin’, somethin’. Like this fresh Slick Rick tee from back in the day, yo! La di da di, we like to party. We don’t cause trouble, we don’t bother nobody.

studiotwentysix2

Labels: studiotwentysix2, update

Recently, I did an interview with Jason at what to wear during an orange alert? A blog dedicated to literature, art and music. It’s fairly in-depth and may reveal a few interesting nuggets about my work, musical tastes and whether I partake in a regular cup ‘o joe. The interview was actually a good exercise for me, as it got the mental juices flowing, and helped to determine how I wanted to focus the upcoming lecture at The Dayton Art Institute. Check it out.

what to wear during an orange alert? interview

Labels: artist, blog, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, what to wear during an orange alert?

Sorry about the extended time off between posts, but I was out of town late last week and into early this week, so I’ve been playing catch-up since I returned. My lack of posting is also due to the fact that I decided to scrap my normal artist lecture and give it a complete overhaul for the museum on October 18th. I also just finished an interview for an art, music and literature blog based out of Chicago, which will be posted in the next week or two.

Another reason for my temporary disappearance is that I started working on a new group of paintings that deal with the concept of coded messages. There is quite a bit of thought going into the work, and I become brain-drained by the end of the day and have had very little desire to write about it. I still have much to work out, but think this idea has the possibility to turn into a pretty large body of work. I’m still in the playing and experimental stages, and have been working on a few small studies, which are much less complex that the larger works would be, but here is an example:


Anyway, the main reason for this post, is the radio segment I mentioned a few weeks back is finally being aired on NPR twice this Thursday (10/4/07). I’ll wait until the mp3 file is archived to fill you in on the full story behind the interview, but if you are interested in hearing the on air broadcast, listen live on the Internet at 7:55am and 4:55pm (EST).

Dayton Public Radio

There is a really well written article about my work and current exhibition at The Dayton Art Institute in this week’s CityBeat newspaper. It’s insightful and a good read, certainly worth a look.

Got Faith?

Labels: NPR, Parishioner Series, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

There’s never a bad time to bust-out the sock monkeys, but in this instance, a twofold celebration is in order.

First, the studiotwentysix2 blog has officially broken into triple digits, that’s right ladies and gentlemen, the blog has reached the century mark — 100 big, badass splendiferous posts. Through hard work and dedication, this feat took me just under eight months to accomplish — outstanding! This means, if my grade school math skills are still in working order, we should be celebrating the millennial post sometime around August 2012. Hell, who knows, by that time we might have flying cars and robot maids who cook us breakfast, I know my fingers are crossed.

Second, I turn the ripe-old age of 32 on Saturday — Yep, 32. When I was 16, I honestly had no concept of what 32 would be like, now that I’m 32, I can’t even remember what it was like to be 16 — except that my parents wouldn’t let me drive alone, even though I received a 100% on my drivers test, and I had a crappy job washing dishes and an equally sucky job washing cars. Apparently at 16, my major occupational skill was washing stuff — Yep.

Anyway, I’m sure the day will consist of cake, meat and beer, but probably not in that order.

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

I realize it’s been slower than normal around here the last month or so, which is unfortunate, because I enjoy being slightly irreverent, showing the goodies I’ve found and often times just blowing off steam. Anyway, I didn’t post two weeks ago because I took some time off to visit friends, family and to attend my cousin’s wedding.

My cousin, who I lost touch with over the years, is huge — and by huge, I mean long. I’m not exactly short, measuring in at just a shade below 6'2". I’m guessing though, that my cousin eclipsed me by a good two inches, which would make it a safe 6'4". This doesn’t seem exceptionally large until you factor in that my cousin is a 23 year-old girl. In addition to the 6'4", stick her in a flowing wedding gown, add some 3-inch heels, and you have one “not-gonna-miss-her” senorita. All I know is next time I start shit at a Davie family reunion, I know who I want having my back. Okay, enough with the family gossip, on to the updates:

Dayton Art Institute exhibition

I just had my final walk-through at the Dayton Art Institute museum yesterday. Everything for the exhibition is now pretty much set. My exhibition will consist of approximately 20 paintings and 8 drawings — a good portion of the work will be showing for the first time.

Some of the paintings and drawings that will be in the exhibition are posted on my Parishioner Series site. I have however, been purposely holding back work in order to give everyone that can, a reason to come see the exhibition.

A little over two months ago, I started a new body of paintings. These paintings focus on Catholic clergy, and are significantly different in style from the rest of The Parishioner Series. The new works are heavily influenced by my design background, and have a playful, but refined sense of color, and I have consciously chosen to avoid using black in any of these paintings. At first glance, they appear somewhat harmless, but they are without a doubt more sinister and judgmental than the other work.

To this point, only my girlfriend has seen the completed and stretched canvases — I have even gone so far as to only show the museum curator studies of the final pieces. I plan on showing four of these new paintings in the exhibition, and because of the use of clergy as imagery, the museum has refused to use any of these works in promoting the exhibition, for fear that Catholic groups will disrupt the show. If you want to see them, be sure to plan a trip to the museum. I will post the exhibition opening and reception dates next week.

Design Publications

It seems I’ve been getting a lot of love from China lately. At the end of the month, a Chinese art and design magazine will be featuring yours truly in a super-dope article. Each issue of the bi-monthly magazine focuses on one international artist or design studio, and does a large, several-spread article featuring the philosophy of the designer and an ample showing of work. I sent them more than 25 images, so here’s hoping the article turns out really strong.

Also on the Asian front, I’ve been asked to contribute work to a 2-volume hardback design almanac. Asian design is the primary focus, but a group of international designers have been asked to contribute to the book as well. The book will be introduced in October at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Again, I’ll post images and more information about the publications, as I receive my complimentary copies.

Client Work

A few weeks ago, I was asked to contribute two design concepts to Upper Deck, which is in the process redesigning their line of 2007-08 NBA trading cards. There were a few layout hurdles to get around, such as a HUGE price violator and quite a bit of text to work into the design, but overall, it was a fun project to work on. I can’t show anything for proprietary reasons, but maybe in a few months, I can roll out what I came up with.

So as you can see, I’ve been pretty busy lately — I’m hoping all the upcoming exposure will bust this one-man venture wide open.

Labels: studiotwentysix2, The Dayton Art Institute, update

Yours truly took some time out of his hectic painting schedule to contribute a little somethin’ somethin’ to Wonderland Magazine. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Wonderland is a contemporary art and design magazine that prides itself on high-quality production and layout.

Unless you are lucky enough to live in Denmark, you probably won’t be able to get your hands on a copy of the magazine — so here’s my design (it’s a right hand page) and the corresponding write-up:


Name: Tom Davie
Title: four hours of love
Web: studiotwentysix2.com
Country: USA

What’s the idea / your thoughts behind the artwork?
This work is my visual response to the unrelenting text-based spam-mails that are dedicated to horny young girls, erect penises and discount Viagra pills. The design is intended to convey safe sex and promote the four-hour erection that is promised in most of the Viagra-related spam by integrating the diamond-shaped pill into the illustration.

Inspiration: (What inspires you to do what you do?)
My primary sources of inspiration are religion, politics and popular culture. Although, any topic, object or individual that is attention-worthy, becomes a likely candidate for my art. From a historical and stylistic standpoint, I’m inspired by the work of Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Fortunato Depero.

Best in 2007: (what has been the best in 2007 so far?)
Without a doubt, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese pizza and beer. Also, heavy-backpack.com, mocoloco.com and the Graphic Content: Contemporary and Modern / Art and Design exhibition featuring Ryan McGinness, Charley Harper and Malcolm Grear.

What to look out for: (anything interesting that we should know?)
My upcoming solo exhibition titled, The Parishioner Series, at the Dayton Art Institute museum. Opening in August and running through the end of the 2007, the exhibition will feature a large number of recent portrait paintings and drawings, including many works being exhibited for the first time.

What is your background/education…:
I currently run the multi-disciplined, studiotwentysix2, which produces client-based design, limited-edition screen prints and exhibition-quality fine art. Prior to starting studiotwentysix2, I worked as a full-time graphic designer five years, and a university professor for two. I have received visual communication degrees from the University of Dayton (BFA), and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA).

Icon/Hero ( tell Us Why )?
I don’t believe in icons or heroes, however, I am a huge admirer of anyone who is committed to their work, confident in their talent, and has the ability to make a living doing what they love.

Wonderland Magazine

Labels: graphic design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, Wonderland Magazine

My lack of posting last week was due to the fact that I spent every waking hour working on the studiotwentysix2 online shop. I am happy to say, the shop is officially open. Check it out, browse around and enjoy.

The studiotwentysix2 Shop

Labels: studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie, update

It’s been 52 weeks since studiotwentysix2.com went live, and I must confess, it has far-surpassed my original expectations. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you about the past year, and also let you know what’s in store for the future. My very own annual report so-to-speak, only this annual report will not subject you to awkwardly-posed photographs of me in a suit, standing in front of a computer or painting. Nope, for you it’s a fantastic picture of sock monkeys getting ready to tear into some cake.



This past year:

The original intent for studiotwentysix2.com was to create a simple site that showcased my fine art work — nothing more, nothing less. However, within the first few weeks, I decided to include my design and personal work, choosing to have the site cover my full-range of creative interests. I thought studiotwentysix2.com might attract a few visitors per month, catering mainly to a local crowd. As it turns out, I was pretty shortsighted on my expectations.

Over the past year, studiotwentysix2.com has had tens-of-thousands of visitors from across the globe, combining for just under one million hits. During this time, HOW design, Design Observer, NOTCOT, Newwebpick, Vivianite, Gawker and many others, have been kind enough to link to my site and blog.

The aspect of studiotwentysix2.com that has been extremely flattering, is the amount of traffic my site receives from universities and fine art schools. I had hoped that posting my design projects would attract students and faculty alike, and as it turns out, universities in the United Kingdom, Greece, Poland, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and China, not to mention a few-dozen schools in the United States, have visited studiotwentysix2.com. Since I am no longer teaching, it’s great to know I can still help students, even if I don’t have the daily interaction like I used to.

Enough with the past, on to the future.

What’s coming-up?

In an attempt to further expand the studiotwentysix2.com site, I will be opening the studiotwentysix2 shop. Beginning sometime next week, there will be a “shop” link added to studiotwentysix2.com’s navigation that will lead you to the works available for purchase through the website. To begin with, the shop will offer my screen prints, several 24 x 24 inch paintings, and a few various other items. While some of the paintings will be quite expensive, I will try to keep lower-priced products available, to ensure that anyone who would like to own a piece of my work, is able to.

I am currently in the process of going through my inventory, photographing work and setting up the shop via PayPal. I will let my faithful readers know when the shop becomes live, via this blog. Also in the next few weeks, I will be adding more work to studiotwentysix2.com. This will be a combination of brand new work, and previous work that I have yet to photograph. Again, I will keep you updated on the status of this as well.

In closing, I want to thank each of you for visiting my site and blog, you are, without question, the most amazingly-fantastic group of remarkables ever. Seriously, thanks!

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update

I regularly receive emails from individuals curious about the studio, or looking for career advice. So in an act of goodwill, I will try to address the most frequent questions as blog posts, compiling what will eventually become a FAQ page on the studiotwentysix2.com site.

Q: What is the significance of the name studiotwentysix2?

A: Most people assume that the name studiotwentysix2 is based on the address of the studio’s original location. This theory makes perfect sense, but is not the reason behind the name.

The actual meaning behind studiotwentysix2 is twofold. First, the numerical significance represents the distance of a marathon – 26.2 miles. I have been a distance runner since high school, and over the years, have completed two full marathons and numerous half-marathons. For most distance runners, the number 26.2 is of significant importance because it symbolizes a great challenge that offers agony and exhilaration simultaneously.

Second, is the philosophical aspect of what marathons represent for me. It may seem cliché, but the qualities needed during training: time, patience, dedication, commitment and will, were the same qualities that I wanted to represent my studio. It is that same sort of dedication that I try to bring to each design project or painting I create.

Voilà! Now you know.

Labels: studiotwentysix2

A friend from my days in San Diego has convinced me that myspace is a great way to network with other arts loving individuals. I admit that I don’t fully understand the “friends” feature, or how the networking occurs, but I’m up for the adventure. Any advice from those in the know would be greatly appreciated.

If you’re just dying to know what I look like, there is a picture of me on the page, even though I wanted to post nun pictures instead. Hit me up...

Tom’s myspace

Labels: myspace, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

As I was perusing the incoming links for the studiotwentysix2 web site, I noticed quite a few visitors coming from the American Design Awards site – so I went for a look. As it turns out, my site is listed as one of 56 winners (for the month of July, even though visitors have just recently showed up) from 1422 submissions.

I have to be honest, I've never heard of the American Design Awards, and can't remember submitting my site for consideration. However, I've never been one to shun free publicity or random accolades, so I accept this listing with gratitude. If someone out there actually did submit the studiotwentysix2 site, my web presence thanks you.

American Design Awards

Labels: graphic design, resource, site design, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

I was documenting some work today, and while the camera was out, I took a few informal shots of paintings that are in progress. In January, I should be finishing-up a large group of work (around 30 or so canvases) that was started almost eight months ago. Two solo exhibitions are already in the works for 2007, including a large six-month exhibition. I'm not giving away details yet, because things always have a way of falling through, but at this point, I'm cautiously optimistic. More details will follow in the future.

Labels: Parishioner Series, studiotwentysix2, Tom Davie

If you have meandered over from my art + design site studiotwentysix2.com, I welcome you. If you have no idea what studiotwentysix2 is, then you are probably some random blog stalker who hasn’t showered in weeks. Please, step way from your computer, shower, then I will happily welcome you as well.

I have decided to revamp and better utilize my mucho-ignored blog. Instead of updating the news page at studiotwentysix2.com, I will now be posting news updates, interesting sites, thoughts on books and articles and pretty much anything else I feel like writing at this site. New work updates will still be posted at studiotwentysix2.com. Feel free to comment with your own thoughts, as I could use some interesting dialogue, a good laugh or dozens of semi-nude photos of you, or your grandmother (or hell, even your grandfather if he has the balls to pose for you).

Just a note — since overall tone doesn’t translate over the internet, if you think I’m making a joke, or being witty or sarcastic, I probably am, or am I…

Anyway, welcome to the studiotwentysix2 blog.

Labels: blog, studiotwentysix2, update