Heavy metal and clients from hell

Old Metal Fan by tuomasikonen

The designs and illustrations of Tuomas Ikonen have a quality I really admire. Apart from being gorgeous, they seem to embrace the product they are applied to. Many times I come upon interesting artwork that seems to be thrown upon stuff, while Tuomas's work uses carefully the format of each product. Hence, his creations -like this iPad case with the old metalhead listening to Slayer!- have a distinct personality and character.

The Client is Always Right by tuomasikonen

In is hands, the well-known motto about the client always being right (a nightmare for every freelancer and merchant alive, if you ask me...) becomes a wonderfully conceived poster of humorous satire. There are great things to be found in his small but beautiful artsproject store.

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Blast from the past

Cracked Mirror Poster Print by camcguire
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I found several great things while perusing CAMcGuire's store. I first discovered her through her great Dear John letter card (which you can see in my Top 10 unusual Valentine's day designs list). I couldn't help noticing some real gems in her vintage inspired style.
First, this absolutely great photograph with a detail from a cracked mirror of an abandoned truck. I love this photo. I love the balanced frame, the cracks, the rusty metal, the sense of the past, of human absence and of a whole life passing through the stuff we own and use. It's one of these rare posters that tell stories.

Retro Cassette iPhone Case by camcguire
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Then I saw this old tape on an iPhone case. A great idea, executed in a stylized, rough way that brings a completely new look (well, always in an old-school concept!) to an object that lacks the patina of time. Nice work from a store full of oldie treasures!

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Grumpy bag

Mr Grumpyhead by tartanphoenix
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Would you fancy a grumpy, miserable little fellow on your tote bag? It could, actually, prove to be a great idea, since we're talking about a hilarious and well-crafted vintage illustration. This guy's expression is priceless!
I found this black and white bag at the Tartan Phoenix shop, a place where vintage designs abound.

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Seeing red

red glasses by freddysolis
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This old-school design, with it's '70s flair, leaves a taste of Virgin Suicides in my mouth.I like the details of the hair flowing about and, most of all, I like the red glasses and the fine combination of red and green (not the most easy trick to pull, mind you!). The artist is Freddy Solis of 3 Miles store, a place of memories and good taste.

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Sunday driver

Sunday Driver Postcard by Pip_Gerard
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It's kind of funny and nostalgic at the same time... An old car, an old couple, a slowish drive on a busy highway (or is it motorway in Australia?), a life that won't change it's pace. Aptly named Sunday Driver, this postcard can be found at Pip Pip Hooray, Pip Gerard's shop. Pip is a talented lady from Melbourne with a store full of various tasteful goodies -and a really keen eye for stylish business cards, if you ask me!

Rainbow Color Stripes Template Business Card by Pip_Gerard
design business cards at zazzle.com

See? I told you she's good!

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Weightlifting

TOP Weightlifting Old School by teepossible
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Vintage items never cease to amaze me! Long before the age of the modern fitness cult, people performed feats of strength -surely, an uplifting experience! Watch this old school muscle lift people, and share the weirdness of it all with this curious postcard. You can find it at Teepossible, along with other interesting old times stuff.

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