The series seems to be out of numerical order. Is that a mistake?
You’re right, they are not issued in numerical order. AmperArt editions are numbered in order of completion, not release. Sometimes I’ll be inspired, believe it or not, to do something Christmassy in the middle of July. Not a good time to issue a print that says “may your days be merry & bright & may all your Christmases be white” so I number & archive them until it’s the right season to send them to you.
I read somewhere that you have originals for sale. How large are they and how do I get one? I really like the “Believe & Achieve” poster.
The originals are files on my computer & don’t come to life until they are printed or displayed on a monitor. The original designs are created with hi-resolution & brilliant colors in mind, ultimately printed as high quality giclees on acid-free paper & intended for framing. These gallery-quality prints are 20″ by 30″ but can be printed smaller as well. They are not set in the poster format, but rather the main image extends to all four edges of the canvas, as a fine painting. I print a limited number & they are available by special arrangement. Contact me here. Thanks— “Believe & Achieve” is one of my favorites, too. It reminds me of what Walt Disney accomplished & of course Tomorrowland.
Can I purchase posters that are already printed? I’d like the larger size, but I don’t have a printer that big.
Not only does the larger size (assuming you mean 11″ x 17″ which is perfect for framing with or without matting) require a larger printer, but to reproduce with excellent color & detail it requires a large, expensive printer. The difference is amazing. Yes, I will be offering printed posters & other items that people have been asking for: note cards, greeting cards, bookmarks, mugs, apparel, keychains, & more very interesting suggestions. The shopping cart will not be ready for awhile, though. If you wish to purchase a print or poster now, just contact me. The largest art print is 20“x30” and the largest poster is 24″ x 36″ (posters include the artist’s imprint & edition number in the lower margin). Other poster sizes are 11″ x 17″ & 8.5″ x 11.”
How do you come up with your ideas?
Lack of sleep.
How long does each one take, and is it done on a whim or planned out?
Here’s an explanation of the thought process & a little about the design: click here & scroll down to “How this project began…and wouldn’t end.” This actual piece was selected as a demonstration of how I create most pieces. As to whether it’s on a whim or not, sometimes I’ll get an idea in the middle of the night (see? lack of sleep) and get started on the prelims immediately. But each element is carefully considered, creating several roughs if necessary, and much thought is put into the final design and copy — more-so for the actual piece of art, lesser for the story. I’ll research the phrase, its origins, accuracy & most common meaning. If it’s relevant to an era I’ll find relevant colors, images, styling & text for the artwork as well as the article. I strive for accuracy and authenticity. You might say I put as much effort into AmperArt as I do for logos and other creative for clients.
What medium is your original artwork done in? I assume it could be almost anything, then photographed and placed in the poster format.
So far, everything has been Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign, with some custom photography, stock art which I manipulate (& pay for — I don’t support stealing art); also hand-drawn lettering or doodles that I scan in. Eventually I plan to create some originals that are dimensional & maybe reproduce the artwork retaining some of the dimensionality with layers of material. Also, create some products that are dimensional & functional. Here’s one that’s not very dimensional but very functional: the To Do & To Don’t List.
ʍɥʎ ɐɹǝ ʇɥǝ ɐɯdǝɹsɐups qɐɔʞʍɐɹps ou ʎonɹ ʍǝqsıʇǝ qɐɔʞƃɹonup¿
Actually, the ampersands on the web background aren’t backwards; they are upside-down. That is how you would see a galley of metal type ready for press. When it’s inked & printed the images are then right-reading.
Want to know something about AmperArt & ampersands not found in these faqs? Ask in the comment area below. If anything is urgent (like you need a logo designed by me with an ampersand in it — or without — as brand identity is my expertise) don’t hesitate to contact me.
—Chaz DeSimone designer & typographer &
founder of National Ampersand Day