Danielle Davis2013 was a pretty great year for Spokane design, if you ask us. For one thing, Collect was launched! But besides that, here’s our list of the best art- and design-related things that happened in Spokane in 2013:
10. Seven2 Draw-Offs
They may not have started in 2013 (hence the #10 ranking), but we love the Draw-Offs, hosted by local design agency Seven2. These 3-on-3 doodle battles are a fun way for local artists to collaborate, not to mention an incredible live-art spectacle for observers. Among the 2013 Draw-Offs were competitions at Elkfest and the Red Shoe Event. Can’t wait to see what they bring in 2014! (Logo designed by Nick Tibbitts.)
9. Collect Spokane Wallpapers
Okay, so we may be tooting our own horn just a little, but we’re hopeful that if you’re reading this, you enjoy the Collect Spokane wallpapers as much as we do! They’re a fun way to stay in the loop on local design, and a nice alternative to that boring desktop background of your cat that you’ve had up for the last five months. (pictured design by Jacob Greif)
8. The Garland Theater’s New Website
The Garland Theater has a longstanding history as one of Spokane’s most iconic landmarks, and it will forever hold a special place in the hearts of locals. So of course we were excited to see Matt Bogue of Baroque redesign its website, beautifully capturing the charm and nostalgia surrounding our beloved local theater.
7. Global Credit Union’s New Branding
It seems a little unusual to feature a Credit Union’s branding in a list of best local art and design…. until you take a look at what BOOM Creative has done for Global this past year. Highlighting their unique strength as a small, local business, Global’s new branding expresses their support for Spokane’s creative culture by commissioning local artists and musicians to be a part of their new image. Pictured above is a billboard by local artist Tiffany Patterson.
6. Landmark Prints by Chris Bovey
What says “local pride” more than these screen prints of Washington Landmarks designed by local artist Chris Bovey? Ummmm… nothing! We LOVE them!!
5. Blackletter Art Show
In June of 2013, a group of talented local designers and illustrators participated in a typography-inspired art show at Stex Motorsports. The show was a big success… we’re hoping it won’t be a one-time event! (Poster by Joel Barbour.)
4. Terrain 6
Terrain has steadily become bigger and bigger in the several years that it’s existed, and this year was no exception. The old Music City building was packed out, with a long line of people waiting to get in to see the local design and music featured there. It was definitely worth the wait once you got inside to see the amazing art from an incredibly talented pool of local artists (like Mariah Boyle, featured above).
3. The Bartlett
After several setbacks and a LOT of hard work, Karli and Caleb Ingersoll opened The Bartlett, Spokane’s newest (and coolest) music venue, in November of 2013. This is an incredible victory for Spokane’s local music scene… and it’s also a huge step forward for local design. All of the exquisite branding— from the logo to the menu— was designed by Karli Ingersoll herself. And a new music venue means more concert posters— in the short time The Bartlett has been open, we’ve already seen some pretty amazing ones commissioned from various local designers (like the one above, by Kristin Violet).
2. SpIFF poster designs
In February of 2013, the Spokane International Film Festival (or SpIFF) hosted Posterize, a poster show featuring 27 designs by local artists. It was a great way to connect design- and film-creatives, and the results are stunning, like these posters by Marcus Brown, Brandon Delauney and Katie Irvin.
1. The Great PNW
Living in one of the most beautiful places in the world makes us want to show it! In 2013, local designer Joel Barbour made that possible with locally designed clothing from The Great PNW. There are tons of great shirts, hats, prints, and more, designed by local artists and available at their website.