‘PRINTED MATTER MATTERS’ We’re told that marketing is all about spreading the word. Thus, some people think social media is more cost effective than printed matter. On the other hand, I like to think of brochures, leaflets, tickets, etc. as takeaways or freebies. I’ve acquired quite a collection of promo materials from visiting museums and other art nonprofits. I collect them not only as souvenirs, but also for message and looks. Sure, printing costs can be outrageous. But good design (and message) is the difference between the trash can and the cork board. Here’s nine reasons why. 1. Indy, Meet The Toby The Toby is a 530-seat theater in the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). The Toby’s been around for a while, but I had no idea that the IMA had a theater (until I found this card) because the museum is huge. 2. Not a member yet? Tickets at The Whitney Museum of American Art are printed on sticker material. The yellow square is intended for wear on the day of your visit. But the remaining portion shares a reminder that, within a week of admission, you can pay-it-forward on the cost for an annual membership. 3. Why we ask you not to touch ‘Please don’t touch’ is masterfully explained as a conservation effort by Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum. The flyer is not meant to be rude, but rather convey the importance of preserving the museum’s collection as it says, “One finger touching may not seem like much but a million fingers will touch a painting our of existence.” 4. $3 off admission Telfair Museums did a marvelous job at promoting Psychedelic: Optical and Visionary Art Since the 1960s. In addition to printing and distributing these drink coasters, they had an entire bus decked out in swinging sixties graphics. 5. 406 artists, 325 projects. Join us. Creative Capital printed these to show support of artist’s projects debuted at the 2010 01SJ Biennial, such as works by Futurefarmers, Beatriz da Cost, and Richard Pell’s Center for Postnatural History. The front of the card lists the total number of artists and projects support as well as upcoming grant deadlines—a great way to advertise at an event. 6. A classic myth set in outer space Icarus at the Edge of Time is a multimedia theatrical adaptation of a children’s book by physicist Brian Greene. It took place at the United Palace Theatre in New York as part of Greene’s 2012 World Science Festival. The pitch on the card reads: Icarus at the Edge of Time is the story of a courageous young boy who challenges the awesome might of a black hole. I wish I could have seen it. 7. Printed matter matters! The phrase I’ve borrowed as this post’s title comes from Printed Matter, Inc.’s membership brochure—a New York nonprofit and bookstore dedicated to artist’s publications. It’s hard not to take notice of their mission and cause, especially with a bright pink slogan like that. 8. Book of law * I didn’t get to experience Tom Sachs’ Mars at Park Avenue Armory, but a friend sent me her tickets because of the design. It includes a perforated template for a temporary NASA ID card, lingua franca list, and Sachs’ book of law (subject to change at any time). My Space name is Whiskey Delta. 9. What is a public art program? Public Art Network is a program of Americans for the Arts and is “the only professional network in the United States dedicated to the field of public art.” At five folds, their membership brochure is really informative, explaining how public art is created and how you can become involved. High-res

‘PRINTED MATTER MATTERS’

We’re told that marketing is all about spreading the word. Thus, some people think social media is more cost effective than printed matter. On the other hand, I like to think of brochures, leaflets, tickets, etc. as takeaways or freebies. I’ve acquired quite a collection of promo materials from visiting museums and other art nonprofits. I collect them not only as souvenirs, but also for message and looks. Sure, printing costs can be outrageous. But good design (and message) is the difference between the trash can and the cork board. Here’s nine reasons why.

1. Indy, Meet The Toby

The Toby is a 530-seat theater in the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). The Toby’s been around for a while, but I had no idea that the IMA had a theater (until I found this card) because the museum is huge.

2. Not a member yet?

Tickets at The Whitney Museum of American Art are printed on sticker material. The yellow square is intended for wear on the day of your visit. But the remaining portion shares a reminder that, within a week of admission, you can pay-it-forward on the cost for an annual membership.

3. Why we ask you not to touch

‘Please don’t touch’ is masterfully explained as a conservation effort by Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum. The flyer is not meant to be rude, but rather convey the importance of preserving the museum’s collection as it says, “One finger touching may not seem like much but a million fingers will touch a painting our of existence.”

4. $3 off admission

Telfair Museums did a marvelous job at promoting Psychedelic: Optical and Visionary Art Since the 1960s. In addition to printing and distributing these drink coasters, they had an entire bus decked out in swinging sixties graphics.

5. 406 artists, 325 projects. Join us.

Creative Capital printed these to show support of artist’s projects debuted at the 2010 01SJ Biennial, such as works by Futurefarmers, Beatriz da Cost, and Richard Pell’s Center for Postnatural History. The front of the card lists the total number of artists and projects support as well as upcoming grant deadlines—a great way to advertise at an event.

6. A classic myth set in outer space

Icarus at the Edge of Time is a multimedia theatrical adaptation of a children’s book by physicist Brian Greene. It took place at the United Palace Theatre in New York as part of Greene’s 2012 World Science Festival. The pitch on the card reads: Icarus at the Edge of Time is the story of a courageous young boy who challenges the awesome might of a black hole. I wish I could have seen it.

7. Printed matter matters!

The phrase I’ve borrowed as this post’s title comes from Printed Matter, Inc.’s membership brochure—a New York nonprofit and bookstore dedicated to artist’s publications. It’s hard not to take notice of their mission and cause, especially with a bright pink slogan like that.

8. Book of law *

I didn’t get to experience Tom Sachs’ Mars at Park Avenue Armory, but a friend sent me her tickets because of the design. It includes a perforated template for a temporary NASA ID card, lingua franca list, and Sachs’ book of law (subject to change at any time). My Space name is Whiskey Delta.

9. What is a public art program?

Public Art Network is a program of Americans for the Arts and is “the only professional network in the United States dedicated to the field of public art.” At five folds, their membership brochure is really informative, explaining how public art is created and how you can become involved.