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Draplin Design Co., North America

051809_wireframe_madness.jpg

It’s Monday, and I’m busy as hell. That’s what yer seeing above. Lots and lots of vectors. Can’t wait to talk about this one. As soon as it gets back from the printer you’ll get the full story.

Anyhoo, here’s how the week starts out with an email from some faceless yahoo trying to set me in my place:

“oh… you’re so far from the modern world. I mean Europe of course. Everything needs to be big, no matter if it’s useless. So typical… so american. A little advice. Never, never buy a white car ;) Cheers”

Here’s a little advice for you, uh, “mate” or “world citizen” or “dog dick” or whatever, “Real men leave their names when they leave a comment.”

I’m open to criticism. You don’t like something on this site? Tell me what you are feeling. No big whup. Here, I’ll tell you what I’m feeling:

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .

Dear Faceless,

I needed a van. Something that could, if needed, carry 10 people or carry one Dale. Or load Field Notes from point A to point B. Or drive across the nation rescuing treasures. Or pick up a load of plywood. Or move a friend. Or drive to yer little hobbit doorstep and wrastle you into submission.

Some people drive vans. There you go.

Fuckoffedly,

Aaron James Draplin, age:35

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . .

Hope you enjoy the blog I work so hard to maintain. It’s not for you.

Back to being busy, and on guard from pretentious Europeans with all the answers. Yawn.

- - - -

VISIT STEVE: Everything you want! An art show that makes you smile and think. Bravo. I don’t even know where to start on the greatness of this one, and the larger cultural subtext. Wow, I sound mildly “academic” or something. Here, are dumb things down a bit, just in case: These colors don’t run! (Pantones, that is.)

Thanks Steve. I think you are awesome and you do great work. Come to Portland and we’ll treat you like absolute royalty.

- - - -

EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE’ TALKING ABOUT LAST WEEK: Andy Clymer’s impressive Flickr set called, “Van Door Type.”

- - - -

HOSS COMES IN AND SLAPS ME RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH THIS ONE: What about truck letterers?

Or this gem: Incredible mastery here.

Of course I dreamed up some of this action too, exploring all the opportunities. But of course, I have to consider where the van will be, late at night, when I’m up in the shop. I don’t want to be a target, and just wanted to have a little fun with some mellow graphixxx. I don’t know why I’m explaining this. Ha.

- - - -

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE IN LUBBOCK?: Well, now’s a good time to go for a spin there, in a gaz-guzzling, world-killing, American car.”

- - - -

JUST LIKE IT SOUNDS: “SMIT logo on the side of a barge.” (Sent in by Alana Wall. Thank you!)

- - - -

JOHN THE PLAYER TODAY:

01. John Doe & The Sadies - Country Club
02. John Cougar Mellencamp - Scarecrow
03. John Lennon - Imagine
04. John Fahey - The Best Of John Fahey (1959-1977)


There Are 16 Comments

settle down Francis.

Posted by: Jess on 05/18/09 at 5:33 PM

hey man,
you should be able to use this sites cpanel or whatever dashboard analytics to trace that mother-f’er.

good hunting,
oe

Posted by: orville esoy on 05/18/09 at 5:44 PM

fuckoffedly - man, THAT is why I dig your shit - you always tell it like it is - thanks for being there - keep on vannin’

Posted by: Mike Turro on 05/18/09 at 6:09 PM

Hello!

Just felt like I should point out it’s not really right to call us “Europeans”. We vary so much from country to country that it’s a bit unfair to lump us all in together! It’s like if we met one asshole from New York and went to Detroit and assumed they’d all be “Asshole Americans” too :P

I’m from Ireland and I am a big fan of your blog :) Keep it up!

Posted by: Joanne on 05/18/09 at 6:22 PM

Why wouldn’t you buy a white van. White never needs to be washed and hides every single dent. It is the most utilitarian color out there. Plus it makes it easier to add some fantastically gaudy mural on the side. Something involving swords, decapitation, and… a noble steed.

Posted by: Derek Schille on 05/19/09 at 3:55 AM

Another Irish and European reader of your blog who wants to distance themselves from “Faceless”.

After spending a summer working construction in New Hampshire and driving pick-up trucks everyday, I know there’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a large american vehicle on american roads. I hope the van serves you well.

I love the blog. Keep up the good work, A.

Posted by: Aidan O'Boyle on 05/19/09 at 5:21 AM

I may be a left-leaning, eco-worrying, houmous-eating, bike-riding European, but I think the Econoline would be a kick-ass van whatever continent it was on.

Posted by: Tobe on 05/19/09 at 5:43 AM

As a long time reader of the blog ” one of my first daily visits when I sit down with my cup of joe ” - just wanted to say that I’m glad to see your not taking any guff & keep up the great work - as a designer running your own show your an inspiration to us all.

Best,

swift.

Posted by: Chris Swift on 05/19/09 at 5:52 AM

My name is Jeremy Withers, and I solidly support the DDC van. Badass, man. Recovering the rep of white vans everywhere.

Posted by: jrmy on 05/19/09 at 7:56 AM

Aaron,
Your van search and rescue took me back to my childhood - we always had a van and it was always awesome. My first driving experience was behind the wheel of our 1983 Econoline - I was 14. Every summer the family would pile in and drive 1,000 miles from Durango, Co to Coeur D’ Alene, ID. We’d bitch about the long drive but I have to think our complaints were somewhat minimized by the fact that we had so much ROOM to roll around (back when that sort of thing wasn’t illegal). Can you do THAT in a Fiat?

Thanks for this,
Tony Teske

Posted by: Tony on 05/19/09 at 8:05 AM

Draplin, I hunted down the dirty dog and beat him in arm wrestling. Just so y’know.

Posted by: Huckleberry Hart on 05/19/09 at 8:45 AM

fuck the haters, vans are rad

Posted by: frank on 05/19/09 at 9:05 AM

hmm… well… erk. I also love your blog but I can’t say I appreciate the need for a massive van… but what do I know?! I just read snippits from your life!
vroom!

Posted by: Rob on 05/19/09 at 10:33 AM

People, like our unnamed emailer there, are so quick to judge. Whatever happened to thinking before you speak. Obviously this guy does not run multiple successful business ventures, and/or have lots of friends.

Anyway, this is just a good example of why its not a good idea to make an uneducated rant.

Give ‘em hell Draplin!

Posted by: Joshua Kramer on 05/19/09 at 10:57 AM

You want me to track this sonabitch down? You know I’ll fight for some Draplin.

Posted by: coyle on 05/20/09 at 5:01 AM

makes me want to sell my subaru and get a panel van…but for now i’ll live vicariously through you. can’t wait to see the van rolling through Denver

Posted by: chasecourington on 05/23/09 at 1:17 AM
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