Yo! Joseph Hughes here. One half of Northcoast Zeitgeist, design and photography Voltron. Both Casey and I love this site. Keep on keeping on, Aaron!

Every new DDC blog-post is like a cup of coffee to me. If I don’t get at least one a day, I get very grouchy. Keep it comin’! Happy Birthday, man.

A good night last night! Happy to see you there. And you know me: I’m Pablo and I make nachos. And an ornery flapjack.

Congrats Draplin. It’s all downhill to 40, easy cruisin.

Been reading your site everyday now for about a month, very inspirational, I love your style. You make me miss the mid west. I just moved to denver this year from Michigan. I miss those lakes. This place is cool though and I’m drawing a lot and being creative. Thanks for the great site and happy birthday.

Happy B-day AD!

I am a web designer living three hours South of you. I work for a small design/media company here but the wife, dogs and myself are working on relocating to PDX soon. There is no doubt that I will run into you at some show some time and am actually surprised I haven’t yet. I was probably that tall guy standing in front of you that one time.

Keep doin’ it your way, Aaron. The world would suck a whole lot more if you didn’t.

Your work and your findings are always very inspiring. Happy Birthday dude.

Josh Bradley
Portland OR

Happy 36th birthday from Alex in NC, former ophidian lipid merchant, self-taught builder of rickety database kludges, Illustrator dabbler, bass player, sporadic songwriter, utility infielder and Field Notes scribbler.

Keep up the good work!

Happy B-day to one hell of a designer/blogger/badass/daschund owner.

You sir have been a huge inspiration to me in my quest as a design student…graduating in Dec (hell yes!). My full website will be up shortly with a ton of work.

Fellow daschund owner/lover as well.

Thanks for everything…cheers man!

Just a guy from NJ who appreciates good design. Longtime reader, Field Notes buyer, and lover of all things orange. Happy Birthday man.

I’m a graphic designer and rock n’ roll lover in Denver. You’re obviously an insatiable, talented designer, but I keep coming back because you post tons of cool stuff and I like the way you talk! It’s funny, casual, relatable and even uplifting. Love the 3-6 graphics!

I’m James White, visual artist and designer living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Other side of the border, other side of the continent.

Read your blog all the time, Aaron. Constant source of bang-on inspiration. Also sport your shirts around town and a DDC sticker is stuck proudly on my Rock Band guitar, all hardcore-like.

Ambition is certainly contagious, so keep up the good fight, buddy. Happy 36!

Dustin Ortiz / Artistic Whippersnapper
Leucadia CA / Salt Lake City, UT
You speak from the heart Aaron and who doesn’t love all them links.

“draplin.com is the most important website of our generation”

—gd student from Boston MA by way of Knoxville TN via Birmingham AL

I’m a liberal athiest working at a VERY conservative evangelist church. fuck me :)

oh yeah I design stuff and make websites. Happy Birthday!

Hey Aaron, your ranting and raving never fails to make my day.

I’m the owner/creative director at Studiofluid, a branding and graphic design company in Los Angeles.

Happy 36.

Hey Aaron, I met you at design camp briefly when I bought a poster from you (thanks for giving it to me anyways even thought I only had $14.73). I have to admit shamefully, I had no idea who you were or what you did before that weekend. Although I have been a fan of your design for years I just didn’t know you did it. Anyway your blog is a daily visit for me as well as your work is now in the back of my mind now probably forever. So thanks for being one awesome motherfucker, hope to cross paths with you again someday, and Happy Birthday!

Ben Kuehn.

Happy Birthday (dammit) from this part-time designer, full-time mom-to-young-scamps in Brooklyn NY. I am an admirer of your work and your “eye.” Love the blog. Keep it coming!

My name is Doug Wilson, I live in Springfield, Missouri USA, I am a graphic designer at an advertising agency by day and a letterpress printer by night.

If I wish you happy birthday, will you get upset Aaron?

I’m working on boring stuff. I read yer blog every time you post (you’re in my google reader).

I’m friends with Paul Rustand at Widgets & Stone in Chattanooga. Brad Decherry is a regular collaborator with those crazy Chattanooga kids.

Break time over, back to the grind. Happy B-Day.

I’m Scott Strickland, a graphic designer and photo retoucher from Little Rock, Arkansas. I’m the art director for rizonmedia.com and I do my own freelance thing. Love the Blog! Inspiration, man.

Let’s Break a record!

Long time listener, first time caller. Happy birthday from a fledgeling designer in Brooklyn, NY!

Husband, father of two, part-time in-house designer, full-time theology student, missionary candidate, all in fabulous Minneapolis, Minnesota, where it snowed again today.

I keep coming back for the orange, the Futura Bold, and the commentary. Keep it up, and enjoy year #36!

Happy birthday you old summaufabitch! Here’s to this one and at LEAST 36 more.

Gage Villere.

Up in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Working as a Baker in a small, locally owned and operated store.

Can’t remember how I got here, exactly. Maybe skating, snowboarding, some random cultural shared attache?

Nonetheless, feel proud to put money in your pocket, and listen to the spiel.

It’s rare to see the ole blue-collar ethic still going strong.

And best birthday wishes. I’m turning 36 in a month, and completely understand. ha!

Happy Birthday! Love the blog.

I’m Jake. And I draw.

*Happy Birthday!*

I’m Eric, a web developer from Madison, WI. I have…

• a day job
• a startup
• a pregnant wife
• a passion for canoe races
• AND a DDC shirt

Cheers!

I walked past a cubicle on the third floor at work (SSA) the other day and someone had your “everything” poster up.
Made me say, “hell yeah” out loud.

36!
YOW.

Happy Birthday! I’m a photographer in Boston, a fan of good design, grew up in a small upstate NY town, and a proud owner of big ass orange poster with some great DDC work on it, 1112 things I think. I dig your blog and the take no shit way you present yourself. Keep up the good work.

When the whistle blows, I will crack open a cold one in your honor.

Thanks for the blog. One of the few I read on a daily basis.

I am a web/print designer from Iowa struggling to make kick-ass design in an unappreciative agency environment. Your work is inspiration on a cold and rainy midwestern day.

Graphic Designer
Goalkeeper Coach
Sign Whore…

Glad to see another ring on the tree of knowledge.

Hey Aaron.
This is how I roll:
-Student.
-Daily visitor.
-Sporting DDC socks.
-Scribbling on Field Notes.
-Had a 3-legged Dachshund, “Tripod” Timmy (RIP).
-Illinois, 5-hours South of Chicago.

“Tell me who you are, and what you do!â€
I’m Jeremy, and I design stuff, mostly for print. Glad to see/read you fighting the Great Outdoor Fight every day. I’ll keep it up if you do, okay? Deal?

Oh, and happy birthday. Hope it was a good one.

Really? I’m the first? Hope I can live up to the pressure and glad to be the first one crashing through the gates.

I live in the shadow of Minneapolis. Read your blog daily. Wear my Union binders (complete with DDC highback sticker) proudly. Scribble in field-notes when inspired. Share your passion for pantslessness. Design and talk shit for fun, sling printing for money.

Happy Birthday. Have a Good one

Ryan K
Designer
Iowa City, IA

happy b-day

Mr. Draplin Sir,

Your an inspiration to many…I’ve been reading this “non-sense” since back way back when Ride Snowboards had a link to the DDC when you had done some board graphics for them…And been reading on a daily basis since. I feel like my day isn’t complete without a few words of “wisdom” from draplin.com. Since you’ve become the “little” brother I never had…I’m gonna ignore your requests of no birthday wishes and wish you a big Happy 13, 140th day. Keep it up brotha man!

Happy Birthday!
Names Harpey and I’m a graphic designer at subway world headquarters. I check this blog daily cause, well just cause it fuckin rocks. This blog and your work makes my day a whole hell of allot more tolerable. Good Designs man! And if you see subway using futura bold on every freakin poster, well i learned from the best. have a good day draplin!
-Harpey

Just caught this in my reader… I won’t say happy birthday. I am a persistent reader of your blog from the SF Bay Area. Your wit/brutal honesty/commitment to your vision is outta control, in a good way. I personally have nothing to do with design other than I love the way things look printed on paper, especially the words. I would love to get into graphic design, and keep telling myself I might take some night classes to get a better handle on illustrator if for nothing else but to play around. Till then I’ll just keep looking at the bitchin’ stuff you and other folks keep pumping out, and I’ll stick to fixing the cars that get you folks to and from.

My name is Jeremy Firth. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I started reading your blog when “America is Fucked” came out, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the rest of the documentary ever since.

I am a videographer and video editor. I travel around the world to poker tournaments to shoot and edit interviews with poker players, and I put them online so people can follow the tournament without having to wait until it comes on tv. Good times.

I come back every day because I love your writing style. Quick, bullshit-free and funny. I have huge respect for your work and wish I had something I could hire you to do. I drop some photos your way occasionally, and you’ve posted them here, for which I’m grateful.

See you tomorrow. Oh, and happy birthday!

A very Happy Birthday to you!
From Steve in Baltimore.
Graphic Designer/Model Maker for the past 28 years…still going strong.

FIELD NOTES BRAND MEMO
RE: Birthday Policies

A simple cake in the kitchen. “Happy Birthday Co-Worker” is an appropriate sentiment. No singing. 5 minutes maximum. Then get back to work.

SIGNED: FN Midwest HQ

This is Mike G. from Cincinnati. Long time thinker, newbie do-er. I love your stuff enough to own some and can’t wait to see what’s you’ll post next. Thanks for wreckin’ my days. Happy birthday.

Howdy. Per your request, here I am, commenting, with too many commas, as well.

I am a music producer who found you a while ago (last year?) via Field Notes, which we use at our studio… our review of these fine paper goods is linked from the Field Notes site.

You have confirmed to me, in private email, that the “America Is Fucked” vid is coming, someday, somehow. Such a day will be a momentous one, and will usher in an age of change we can all be proud of. I shall sing about the release of this video project from every virtual rooftop I can find.

I also dropped that dachshund-as-font thingamahjiggy on your facebook page.

Hope you have the happiest of birthdays!

Happy Birthday buddy.
Eric Powers here. Graphic Designer at Palm during the day and rock and roll animal at night. I make album covers and posters in the garage on the rickety old 1 color screen print rig in the garage. I’m a big fan of “the DDC way of doing things” and have a heavy backup system of DDC merch to keep the wheels turning.

A midwestern son (Okla) living the over-priced dream way out west and fine, upstanding resident of San Pedro, CA, the busiest container port in the US of A, home of van enthusiast and bassman Mike Watt, frequent backdrop to popular television programs and movies and featured location in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as “Ocean Docks.”

I find myself as dreamer of ideas, organizer of materials and events…but currently a slave to the grind. A classically trained visual communicator who has lost his way but is working to get back.

I view this site daily for inspiration, education and entertainment and find that you have a great eye for often overlooked design. It seems everyday there is a new and interesting link on here that prevents me from working.

Have a great birthday and keep up the great work….we’re watching.

Bruce

Happy birthday man. Just turned 36 myself.

Your work and blog are great. Let me know if/when you start designing book covers…

Dan
Sales and marketing book type and Casual Optimist, Toronto, Canada.

==Vitals==
6’3”
180 lbs.
brown eyes & hair
coffee
motorcycles
pug
UX librarian
PDX

“Big Fan”

Matt Graff. Art Director. Sasquatch. Portland, Ore.

I have a Futura deficiency, and I need my vitamins.

Aaron
Happiest of Birthdays
I am Scott from Seattle of mothpress (silkscreen). Your site is a great inspiration to me - that graphic design is more than knowing how to use a computer - it is rummaging thru our collective dad’s basement looking at old spark plug boxes.

Also - sometimes you are depressing to me - because I am 36 and you seem to have accomplished so many more cool things than I have.

Happy Birthday! I don’t remember how I stumbled upon your blog (maybe from the Pinball Publishing blog?), but who cares! I enjoy it very much, particularly your excellent use of curse words. Fuck, yeah!

Fellow Portlander Tom O’Toole

I am a loyal reader. Yer an inspiring and amusing gentleman in my book. Best part of my RSS rituals daily.

By trade / hobby / passion I am a Designer / Illustrator / Internet lurker.

I tried to talk to you for a sec at Cut & Paste Portland (I was the dude who did the jogging hot dog) but something about judges not talking to competitors got in the way. Ha.

Breck Chumley here. Daily reader. Daily user of Field Notes and a DDC Coin Containment Device. Occasional link suggester. Living in the Caribbean, but not for much longer. Former architecture student, then construction manager, now medical student. Also 36. Never too old. Happy B-day, AJD!

Hey, dude. I lived in Portland between 2004 and 2008 doing design for TriMet, Portland Youth Philharmonic, and Oregon Children’s Theatre. Started reading your blog towards the end of my time there. As a designer, I can only aspire to your greatness. Thanks for telling shit like it is. DDC is one of the reasons that Portland is the greatest damn city in the country (imo). Happy birthday.

happy b’day draplin!!!!

Many happys, keep it going, one of the few worth reading, kudos
Nick, designer, Suffolk, UK

I need this blog. Really. Here’s hoping for a bunch more rings. And some kind of comment record.

Gene, a graphicsmith at Corbin Design in Traverse City, MI

heres to many more!

Let’s see. I’ve known you since you were a little shitstain all of 17 or 18 years old. This means I’ve known you for more than half of your life and you still never cease to amaze me.

Happy Birthday, you old man. Here’s to another 36 years! When we’re both 72, old and retired we can look back and laugh our asses off at how stupid we were.

I’m a 4th year Graphic Design student from Kwantlen Polytechnic in Vancouver, BC.

I’ve been following your blog and admiring your work faithfully ever since a friend showed me “Why America is Fucked (Graphically)”

Your amazing body of work fucking rocks my world!

Hey man… I laugh out loud often reading your blog! I too am a rust belt transplant… from CLEVELAND_ hell yes!! Pinching out a living in Boise ID as a graphic designer. I love the west but I miss the good human grit of the Midwest and the blue collar pride. That’s where you come in brother, keep making me laugh and inspiring me so well with your kick-ass work. I have your poster on my wall and DDC stickers on my truck (official like). I am proud of my “51 rings” I’ve earned but you young-uns keep me learning… So good as you say. Love ya dude! Peace.

I’m Chris. I live up in Seattle and work at a rather large software company (can you guess which one!) as a User Experience Designer. Lots of Graphic Design freelance on the side though to keep it interesting. Keep up the good work. Futura got me through Design school so I appreciate your love for it as well.

Happy Birthday !
John from Marinette.
Burrito roller and lover of graphics. Been stopping by for over 5 yrs. now first found out about you when you worked for Snowboarder.

Happy Birthday, Aaron. I have a few years on you but still aspire to: 1. look as sharp in a Carhart as you, 2. cuss about typography as well as you and, 3. Get my ass out of this office and do it on my own , like yourself, sir. Keep on kicking ass.
Z

Joshua Boyd here in Mckinney, Texas ya’ll!
Designer.
Drawist.
Purveyor of all things motorycle and hot rod.
BBQ’er.
Veteran.
29.
Trying to make it through.

Thanks for all the inspiration. Next time you roll through Texas you have a place to stay. Seriously.
Have a good one!

I am a creative from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I attended Design Camp, and since then I love getting glimpses of your inspirational forcefield on here! I have come to the conclusion that only the coolest people are born on this day:)

Matt from Portland.
I do design work for a “media sales group”. I spend my work days creating ads for small trucking companies. This usually means they want a picture of a truck, and all text in Impact.

your site is a much needed inspiration to not completely give up on this field of work.

As Lou Grant would say, “I like you. You’ve got spunk.” Aaron, a friend referred me to your site years ago and I’m sorry I haven’t made your acquaintance sooner. As an old ephemera collector myself, I appreciate what you’re looking at. You’ve created a signature style all your own. Enjoy the next moment…best, Tommy

‘Tis my birthday today too Mr Draplin, I’ll sink a few scoops for you. Keep on with the solid work & blog, always inspiring!

Happy birthday buddy! This is Larry sounding off from Chicago. I’m a print/web designer for a small firm downtown. I’ve been reading your blog daily for about 6 months now. Keep up the rants, the raves and most of all the kick ass work.

I fire shots into the air in your general direction. Because I don’t own a gun, these shots will come in the form of bottle rockets. Not 36, that’s too many. How about a cool dozen? Just enough to keep the neighbors on their toes without attracting too much attention. It’s not about me, after all…

Still trying to find the perfect place for my poster of orange.

Dennis from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, just giving you a shout out Sir. I don’t post much but you are a regular read for me. I love the posts and it’s great to see solid Designers getting some attention. Keep on truckin’ Aaron!

But…..

If you ever decide to shut the blog down for any reason, I will personally come down to the DDC Factory Floor and while you are hunched over scratching out thumbnails, I’m going to tap you on the shoulder and falcon punch you right in the ear. I swear! :D Take care and jus giv’er!!

HB Big Fella. Make A Wish.

Clay. Graphic Designer. Perth, Western Australia.

HBD bitch,

one of the three people in oklahoma you know. me, darin bendall, and wayne coyne. architect by day, bad ass action cap wearer by night. love the DDC. keep on keepin it real.

balls and dick.

Hi my name is ryan and i’m from minnesota and i like to read your words. Not sure why. you seem like a nice enough fella i suppose. Happy birthday!

Happy Three Six, buddy.

Dig the color palette for the ring design. Very nice.

I myself always wondered how Gibby pulled off that shit with the shotgun back in the day. (I was at that Val-Du show too).

Take care.

Ben S.
O’er dare in Chicago

Originally from Minneapolis, MN, I now reside in Seattle, WA where I work as an Art Director. You’ve been a big influence and inspiration to me for quite a few years now and I hope you don’t slow down.

Also, the happiest of birthday wishes goes out to you! Have a good one.

-Andy

Aaron, Grats on making it to 36 its been hard not being hit by cars and stuff I can vouch for that. Love the DDC steeze and read your shit daily.

I do design. (not as well as you)
I read comics (for sure more than you)
I also do pocasts about comic books (you could do it better though if you wanted.)
I like pugs. (sorry gary your lovely though)

Best wishes to you and yours.

Happy Birthday.

I am Joey Sheffer Graphic Designer From Vernal, Utah

I first found out about you when I first started designing.

A friend of mine showed me you Why America is fucked Video, been hooked ever since.

Last year for my b day my friends all pitched in and bought me a DDC hat I wear it daily, I will be picking a new one up soon got to have the black one. They picked me up some other merch.

I am a big fan and check out your site all the time.

Keep up the good work!

joey

Happy Birthday! Always enjoy your blog … here’s some important information you should know at any age: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcjohns/4000249796/

I am a professional college student in Michigan ;P. Hopefully by the end of all of it, I will be working in a hospital. I keep coming back because your personality is funny and real; and your designs are awesome.

DAMMIT! Sorry I’m late here… Happy Birthday man!

Simply put, I come here for the wisdom. Drap kills it every time and keep things down to earth, and I love ‘em for it. Such an inspiration, loves dogs, loves life, and (hells, yes) keeps design MANLY!

Have a good one dude!

Happy day of birth, the sando is on me.

Graphic designer from Auckland, New Zealand checking in. I work for this outfit: http://www.designworks.co.nz/

Been reading your blog for about 2 years now, don’t think I’ve ever come across someone so commited to putting up quality stuff almost every day.

Happy birthday, man! Keep doing what youre doing, and know youre awesome at it.

And many more.

Laura, too young to know better, recent University of Oregon graduate (in the field of Ye Olde Advertising), originally of Fairbanks, Alaska, now in Boston, Mass. Currently unemployed and looking for work as a writer/creative strategist.

Keep it coming. Your enthusiasm hasn’t failed me yet.

long time reader, picture sender and merch buyer.

corporate marketing director by day, not so corporate designer by night…

love your work, all of it! keep on keepin’ on!

PS - the Aviation book is in the mail, really! now i’ll consider it a b-day present!

Hey fucker, are you too busy going to Butthole shows and celebrating birthdays to finish my goddamn business cards for free? Ever heard of a little thing called work ethic? Happy fucking birthday, yer the fucking best!

I didn’t even realize there were comments on this blog.

I read it in South Korea, where I teach English to 5 year olds.

Happy Birthday Draplin! As always, we look forward to Snowboard Mag in Miami,FL! Enjoy your day and keep crankin’ em out! Great work!

Andrew from Vancouver,

27 Years Old.
Design Student.
80’s skateboard graphics got me in
Saul Bass & Paul Rand got me going
Dog Lover/ Dachshund Owner
Love Hockey and all things Canadian

You keep dropping ‘F’ bombs and I’ll keep on reading.

Happy B - Day, from White Bear Lake, Mn. Really wish I could have made it to Design Camp to see your speech. Man I blew it on that one. Any video of that, I just graduated from design school any advice from the action sports industry?

happy bday big man. time just clicks by faster doesn’t it?? not enough hours in the day. pretty soon its breakfast every 15 minutes… let it snow. j

You had me at “America Is F*cked…….(Graphically at least)”. Best wishes from Phoenix to a fellow Libra, (not that I believe in that shit) I just cranked around the Sun for the 43rd time this month. Tipping a Fat Tire to one of the hardest working “not to be fucked with” motherscratcher’s in the business. Keep it up the great work.
Andy - Designer, lover of beat to shit signs & type, proud owner of DDC Brand Socks.

Architect in PA. Been reading your site for years. Got here through Coudal, I guess. Got the poster. Got a torso cover. Got tons of Field Notes. Everything I’m collecting is stuff I’m always thinking ‘Draplin would like that’. We will cross paths some day. turning 36 soon, too - share a lot of common experiences, thoughts, music, memories, and opinions.

Would love to use that 36 logo of yours for my own birthday. Stay strong, AD.

30 year old designer and musician from brooklyn NY.

you’re a daily stop in my google reader… thanks for the inpiration and laughs.

happy birthday!

Sent from the Pacific NW,

UW Industrial Design student, snow-ripper, field notes user, sasquatch hunter, etc.

Happy birthday, your blog is the greatest.

Erik Hedberg
Seattle, WA.

30 year old designer and musician from brooklyn NY.

you’re a daily stop in my google reader… thanks for the inpiration and laughs.

happy birthday!

hey fellow libraman-

i like this - settin’ records for comments. good stuff.

me lately? loving fall 2009! my girl kelly had a libra birthday, we got married, we honeymooned on vancouver island, i had a birthday, we returned, cyclocross season started… been going like gangbusters. handling video duties for portland’s wend magazine these days - latest cyclocross video went up today. check it out here at the end of the message! happy birthday you urban redneck you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGdhh2NhcE4

It’s your new long-haired friend, Chris!

I totally had your birthday in my calendar after I found it earlier this week, digging for treasure. I hope you’re havin’ a good one (and hope someone made a rad cake for you), ‘cause you deserve it, man.

Happy birthday, buddy!

Happy birthday, Mr. Draplin. Mark Weaver here. Bostonian designer + illustrator living in the dirty south.

Keep doing what your doing man.

Graphic designer from Córdoba, Argentina.
It’s good to see nice stuff on this blog.
Happy birthday!

Marketing director, lover of Futura, and fellow 30-something from the Garden State. I come for the thoughts, stick around for the links, and keep hoping the anvil shirt comes back

I used to hate the color orange, until we crossed paths. Thanks for the daily inspiration!

Aaron,

Happy B-day. Damn were getting old. Seems like only yesterday we were cramped in that closet sized Yamada room punching out Smoked Monkeys business cards. What year - 94 or 95? Now look at your ass MR. BIGTIME. See you in another 36. Oh yeah almost forgot

Harrison
Salem, Oregon
design and manufacture custom hotrod/bike parts
store fixtures
security
industrial art

looking for a new career
AND BUSINESS CARDS YOU FUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

40 rings, Born and raised in Flint, Michigan. Now in Maryland by way of Chicago. Dad, Husband, Brother, Son, Graphic Design/Art Direction, Shitty Lomo photographer, I dig: motorcycles w/sidecars, Wm. Gibson novels, letterpress printing, thinly sliced Mortadella, Herman Miller Inc., Twinrocker Paper, Robert Frost, ffffound, Howard Luck Gossage, vintage supply catalogues, Chevy Corvairs, Autumn. ‘Blow a tire anywhere near our nation’s Capitol and we got you covered over here. Moist towelette: Warmed. Complimentary Road Pop: Icy.

I won’t pass up an opportunity to shamelessly promote myself. I am a custom home builder and budding graphic design student here in Northern Michigan.

Happy Birthday from a fellow Libra. I drank enough Scotch for both of us Saturday night, so don’t worry.

I’m a shoe rep, coveter of design, fellow hoarder of shit, snowboard like a mad man, and dig your style. with words and the colors and shapes. Keep it up, and I’ll keep following.

Former Oregonian, currently living in Austin until I finish my degree in Communication Design.

I first came across your work when I worked at Tactics and you designed their logo. Linked to the site about 6 months ago after watching America Is F*cked…….(Graphically at least) and been checking the site everyday (for inspiration) and writing in my Field Notes since.

Highschool student reppin’ the great white Canadian north.

Hey Aaron,

Not really sure how I came across your blog but I have been a fan from day one. Thanks for the inspiration and laughs. You do killer work and I admire your no bullshit approach to life and business. I am a designer baking, I mean living in the valley of the sun. Phoenix. Keep up the great work and I hope we cross paths some day. Happy Birthday bro.

Just another semi-daily visitor.
Colby Thueson, Boise Idaho, Design Student about to graduate from BSU.

I greatly appreciate your appreciation of good design in everyday things > Worlds Longest Yard Sale.

I’m the OIL CAN kid from Boise… remember?

Designer/art director working in Portland. I get a kick out of telling people that I know you even though we don’t even hang out really. You’re that cool. Happy 36, Aaron.

Kirk Lebetz. 28. Armada Michigan. I work as a Forklift operator in between Graphic Design jobs.

Happy Birthday. Keep up the good work.

Aaron,
You weren’t kidding about Hot Snot USA. Truly amazing work.

Also, just wanted to remind you that you’re inspiring so many young designers, including myself. Keep up the great work man and Happy Birthday.

Chris
Portland, Oregon
Junior at PNCA, Design Major

Happy Birthday, hoss! Love reading your blog and following your work every day. From Jason the tuba player in Milwaukee, Wis-freakin-consin.

I like design with guts and soul and that’s what keeps me coming back to this site day after day. Happy Birthday and keep up the good work.

Happy Birthday, you beast.

Got that bald spot started yet?

Lee McPherson is my name. I’m a graphic design major at Liberty University.

Happy belated, Aaron!
I’m Al, a cubicle-based design dude, dreaming of an illustration career, and getting over a bout of what Steven Pressfield calls “Resistance” (aka “not drawing”). I’m also a proud DDC merch customer.

I’m another design student!

I first became aware of you on Coudal I think… Why America Is Fucked (Graphically at least) http://vimeo.com/1465284 is one of my favorite things ever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I have no doubt you’ll be just as passionate about design at 96.

Salud!

I’m a video content producer in the UK. Hope you have a great birthday and keep posting stunning stuff.

Cheers Aaron!

Always something great to see on you site keep up the good work for the next 30 or so.

Checking in from Lund, Sweden.

I have nothing to do with the design industries or anything even similar. I just enjoy your work.

Happy Birthday man.

I’ve always been a fan of this blog since the first time I seen it. Love the travel. Kind of mystified by your love of yore. Completely disagree about love of cold.

Keep em coming fucker,

DB

Happy Birthday cousin!

First stumbled upon the DDC in the Snowboarder Magazine days and then you set the bar with SNOWBOARD. Such an amazing publication cover to cover, every issue.
I’m a graphic designer for Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire. Check out the Nov. & Dec. issues of Snowboarder for Waterville Valley ad/Field Notes sightings.
Live Free or Die!

designer from Traverse City.
we met @ tandem earlier this or last (which already?).

keep killin it / another 36 / happy b

happy b-day wishes from a plaid-wearing illustrator/designer/professor/ from the stL. midwest action, man.

I keep coming back here because great products just keep coming out.

A student at University of Sydney, Australia, I’m spreading the word of Field Notes locally and they’re catching on. Constantly being asked about them during lectures/tutorials. Makes me proud to tell them where to get some of their own.

Justin from MPLS, founder of http://www.thingsifoundatthethriftsore.com

Happy birthday @ DDC. Thanks for the wicked poster!

Hey Aaron, happy birthday from Dublin. I’m a graphic designer. I come here because I get inspired by your style and the things you find on the web, I like your honest approach to design. I love the down-to-earth approach to explaining design, no arty-farty bullshit, just straight up honest craftsmanship thinking. Also like that you are so enthusiastic about getting to do design, makes me thankful for every job I get to work on. Been following since the “Why America is Fucked” video came out, and have been glued ever since.

I’m an Oregon native IT guy, general Internet junkie, new dad, etc., currently up north in the Seattle area, and hoping to move back to PDX one of these days.

I’ve been following your blog for just over a year now, ever since Dinosaurs and Robots mentioned your “America is Fucked” video and those badass DDC socks. I bought two pair and already wore out both.

Love the blog, the links, your work, and the merch. Keep doing what you do, and doing it your way. Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday, from Rochester NY to you in Portland!
from the Cream Ale drinking, beer advertising collecting, graphic designer perched over the Rochester skyline… I swear you were one of my buddies in H.S. because alot of your obscure music and other references are also woven into my being (D.Boon, Mule etc.) Thanks for the inspiration.
If your ever in the Rochester area, drop me a line, I’ll show some of the sites & local flavor.

Tim Kapustka
Durango, Colo.
Graphic Designer
Cabbage Creative

Draplin, keep doing what you’re doing for all us sinners. Your work, passion, and penchant for spewing words in the name of all that is good and holy is an inspiration to me and many others. Keep fighting the good fight. Here’s to many more rings, if nothing else, more rings mean… more color!

Hope your day was filled with Futura Bold. If you’re ever in Southwest Colo. look me up.

Viva Draplin!

Skate and Destroy! ha…

Art Director
Toronto, ON.

Aaron, i know you didn’t ask for it but happy birthday. Heres the fact a designer + theology student - living in the city described as “hell with the lid off” - 27 - wishing I could grow a beard like you- love vintage crap - proudly rockin my ddc shirt -

Keep it up.

I’m a web developer in St. Louis.

Maybe my favorite thing about your site is the consistent spotlight on things that have been doing their job properly a long time — an appreciation of patina, if you will. I’ve always believed that if something is well designed, sturdily constructed, and focused on a specific purpose that the likelihood that it will last long and be revered is high. Turns out that works for people too.

Keep chugging!

Happy B-day Aaron-

Enjoy the site and keep up the good work!!

Your parents “Good Neighbor”

Happy belated, man!

I’m studying electrical engineering in Illinois, and have been reading your posts for a while now.

I always loved the colors and the lines but am beginning to appreciate peeling paint and rust in a completely different way. A big fan of the guitar amp banner you have.

Thanks for sharing with us the simple pleasures of good-ol-fashioned designs.

Happy Birthday from a graphic design intern all the way over in Dublin, Ireland who became a fan of your because of layer tennis - I should have been more design savvy and said I knew about you all along.

From one 36 year old who grew up in Michigan to another! Keep up the greatness.

I’m an illustrator (who you very kindly linked to a couple yrs back) who’s lived in Vermont, NYC (10 yrs there) and just recently Sacramento. Northern Cali is good livin.

Keep up the good!

Happy Birthday Aaron. I’ve been using Chris’s old laptop and have been hooked on checking out your site everyday. Always inspiring. Makes me look a bit closer at the things around me. Hope you’re doing well. -Maureen

Sign maker & Printer from Vermont! Don’t know how I found your blog but dude, we’d all be fucked without your take on everyday life & design. Happy Birthday!

Sorry for getting to the party late… I enjoy the honesty and total lack of BS you always have. And man, I’m enjoying the thirties a lot more than the twenties… I’m a multimedia producer and photog from PA.

Creative director, 41, San Jose, CA. In a band with Eric Powers, who got his comment on here way before I did. Happy birthday, amigo.

Happy Birthday!

The name’s Carlos. I’m a firefighter with the LAFD and fan of all things well-designed. Keep on…

Style is the key to all forms of rocking.

A day late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you for constantly setting the standard.

Tuning in from Lakewood CO.
Representing a big orange poster in my cube and one Shitchyah sticker up for all to see.

Thanks again Aaron. If you’re not inspiring I don’t know what is.

Happy birthday man!

Big time viewer of the blog, keep up the awesome work/comments/perspective on design!

Cheers

Happy Birthday, Draplin! I’ve been reading about you ever since those talented little punks at RBtL put you on their show. I’m a web designer from Michigan - specifically Detroit. Literally, living in Detroit proper and I’m loving every second of it. Thanks for the daily inspiration and keep up the good work.

Good friend of mine Andrew Campo turned me on to you. He used to work with you @ Snowboarder.

Been following you for years ever since. Check your blog several times daily.

All the way from Denton, Tx.

Have a great one!

Wow, happy birthday, mine was on the 14th. Nuts!

Anyway, you know me, you designed my wedding invitations. Doing the same old chemistry in same old Golden. Ashley and I are pondering a visit to Oregon some time eventually, would it be cool if we stopped in whenever that happens? Take it easy man.

Totally belated (due to a 24-hour round trip from Brooklyn to Indianapolis! Excuses!) but happy 36th from a longtime listener, first time caller. CD in NYC that loves a thick slab font, the flaming lips and all things orange.

Happy birthday from someone who’s been reading for the last few birthdays. I think I’ve commented on the last one or two, and a few times aside from that. I’m a poster designer, layout guy, ad creator, and bookkeeper up in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

I keep forgetting to send you this picture of me representing the DDC on a disc golf course in Maine while on a road trip last fall:
http://bit.ly/gb7ns

Happy Birthday from Ben Smith, Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Love no nonsense design. So this is a daily read for me. Keep up the solid work.

Happy Birthday you Ptown-cruisin’-weiner-dog-luvin-thrifting-son-uva-gun.

AWH appreciates you.

happy belated birthday! I’m an unemployed, well nothing really. I do live in PDX though. I met you at the wurstminster show, and I enjoy reading your rants and raves on the blog. Keep up the good work.

Hey Aaron, long time reader first time commenter. I’m a student in the asshole of the bible belt & I do graphic design and some printmaking. I like long walks on the beach, my dog named atticus and makers mark on the rocks after a long day of staring at Illustrator. I think the first thing people notice about me is my strong use of Gill Sans, my colorblindness and my big fucking beard.

Greetings from the MinneApple.

Have to say, seems to be a bit of a sausage party around here.

Nome sane??

Belated birthday blessings for Mr. Draplin by way of me, Graphic Designer / Flash Developer / Motion Graphic Crafter. 23. SE Portland-er by way of St. Louis.

Saw the video about that fuckin’ sign you bought in Sedalia and have been hooked ever since. Blippo bold man… Keep on keepin’ on.

Web Designer from Cincinnati, OH. Have a birthday coming up pretty soon myself. Turning 30 on October 29th. Not sure how I feel about it… congrats to everyone with October birthdays. We’re a fantastic lot.

I keep coming back because it’s easy on the eyes and appealing to my brain. I dig these digs you’ve been craftin’ Draplin!

I’ve been cutting my teeth over here in Morristown, NJ working as a video editor and motion graphics designer with Sefcik Productions.

Spent the summer making a documentary, to which the opening credits font might suit your fancy.

http://www.vimeo.com/6420706

happy birthed-day!

Forgot to mention how much I appreciate the liberal use of “fuck” and the many derivations of. In this age of political correctness and people minding their brand it’s mighty fuckin’ refreshing. Keep up the good work.

I keep coming back because it’s easy on the eyes and appealing to my brain. I dig these digs you’ve been craftin’ Draplin!

I’ve been cutting my teeth over here in Morristown, NJ working as a video editor and motion graphics designer with Sefcik Productions.

Spent the summer making a documentary, to which the opening credits font might suit your fancy.

http://www.vimeo.com/6420706

happy birthed-day!

Belated BDay wishes from a Creative currently residing in the same town as Tebow.

Holla!

Do you write this blog for chronic sweating, orange deprived professional procrastinators from Los Angeles? YES YOU DO! Thanks!

Do you write this blog for chronic sweating, orange deprived professional procrastinators from Los Angeles? YES YOU DO! Thanks!

My name’s Cam, I’m a father, husband, bbq & baseball lover in Calgary, AB. I’m also a designer.

Creative Director, DeMarini Sports - Happy Birthday Aaron. I’m wearing the DDC socks right now - not because it’s your birthday but because they fuckin” rock! Seriously, I love these socks and thanks for your words.

I’m 24 and in England. I’m a designer, new-ish to the game.

I first came across your site through the SHHH! campaign with Coudal. “Genius” I thought to myself and you’ve continued to inspire me over thousands of miles of ocean ever since.

Your work is awesome. Your blog is awesome and your dog is awesome. A triple threat.

Happy Birthday.

my favorite competitive eater is Patrick Bertoletti.

Happy 36!

Long Live DDC!

Hey man, hope you had a great one. Jeremy here, AD at Meat and Potatoes in Burbank, CA and proud owner of a DDC Torso Cover.

Saw a Gary shout out on Grain Edit today. Man, they love that dog.

Keep up the hard work.

Best.

^^Wow.^^

As a 32-year-old, I only have 4 years within which to inspire as many people to greatness as you have, Aaron. If this is what you’ve done in the first 36 years, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 36.

Happy Birthday from a guy who was born in Indiana, higher-educated in Michigan, married to a dachshund-loving wife in Virginia, and introduced to your work via Gruber and Coudal in DC. I’ve outfitted all my brothers and brothers-in-law in Draplinwear and am converting all my coworkers to Field Notes, and I hope their work approximates the excellence of your output. Keep it up, and my wife hopes you share some cake with Garold….

i’m an admirer of things, mostly bicycles, who requires positivity when possible. and so i come here for newness + goodness. i stand ten full years behind ye and wonder what they will bring.
here’s hoping it was a good one.

You already know I look at this thing. Happy belated birthday, dogg.

Oh yeah, I forgot. I’m about to finish my BFA in graphic design, after a decade as a mech./electro. drafter & designer. Had inadvertently been working on my own identity system since ‘92, so just kinda fell into it.

Would you recommend freelancing and raising a baby as a SAHF or SAWF?

God I love Ellen Lupton

boo-ya

I’m Ryno. I farted on your couch. I’ve been a huge influence on you. Ju-Ju Coins, motherfucker!

Draplin,

As a designer from the Great State of Kansas, I would like to congratulate on your birthday, your blog and your wonderful working-class ethic.

Keep inspiring the masses with your obscenity-laced observations and working to make this country a better designed place.

Fuck yeah!

Cam Warnock here representing game programmers from the great, white North.

Toronto wishes you a happy birthday dude.

Always enjoy your wholesome, family friendly take on life and design.

Currently: Letterpress apprentice at Hatch Show Print in beautiful Nashville TN.

Formerly: Graphic Designer of things automotive in Detroit MI. I lived on the same street as your cousin Matt. Just stopped by his place after meeting at our garage sale and he has Field Notes sitting out on his coffee table. I’m like, who dude…Field Notes are awesome, I love the guy who makes those…and he’s like, oh yeah, that’s my cousin.

Small world. Happy Birthday.

Draplin.

You are a great inspiration and one of the reasons why I chose to go back to design school.

Keep rippin it daily.

Gratulerer med dagen!

Happy birthday, a few days late.

I am a Printmaking major in Minneapolis MN, and i have nothing else to do but check your site. Best source for inspiration around.

Keep on fighting the good fight! We all need someone to show us the “right” way of doing things.

Draplin Happy late birthday. I design stuff for people in Seattle and do a little bit of art on the side. Really I spend the majority of my time staring at glowing rectangles .

UX guy from the bitter coldness of Winnipeg.

Happy belated big fella, and get that video project of yours done soon-ish alright?

Much love for the orange and black here in Seattle.

Keep up the awesome work.

I’m no longer a daily reader, so I’m commenting late. I usually catch up here on a weekly basis. I’m a creative writing graduate student in Minneapolis who dabbles in design. Your site’s been bookmarked since the day I stumbled across it many years ago. Your attitude and creative chops are an inspiration. I’m a Field Notes user and a proud DDC cap wearer. Happy birthday. I hope this year is your best yet.

Happy birthday. Normally I don’t read designers’ blogs but quite enjoy yours. I’m a filmmaker from Australia who found you through an admiration of Field Notes.

My name’s Adam. I’m from Minneapolis and Philly and now Portland. I know you’re a big fella, but if I ever see you on the street, I may attempt to tickle-fight you.

Happy (very late) birthday.

Enjoyed talking with you last week. Definitely inspiring to talk to someone else who can appreciate simple solid design.

Look forward to working with you.

Best,

-JB

Aaron, My name is Chris Coyle. I am a dirtbag from Portland, Or. You might remember me from all the times I mooched free design work off of you. I have been dealing with your blog/ramblings for close to sixteen years now, and quite frankly, I wish you’d put a sock in it. Here’s to another 36!

Happy late birthday, I love your work and your design ethics, you have been a rad dude through and through. I currently am in school for design should be out this year. hope all is well

Happy belated birthday! I was married on your birthday in 2005, and my good friend/maid of honor’s bday is 10/15.

Somehow (I don’t remember how) I ran across the trailer of your “Why America is Fucked” piece and have been reading your blog ever since. I’m an inhouse graphic designer in Seattle at a great architecture firm. We also have an office in the Pearl, so I’m in your fair city off and on during the year. Love your stuff - your site/blog is totally inspiring!

Been reading this ever since you released “what’s fucked up with america” or whatever that was called, the bit about the hotel sign “in fuckin…fuckin…blippo bold” - absolutely brilliant stuff. Linked to it via Coudal when I lived in Florida, now living in Chicago and reading your blog when I have the time (currently a stay at home dad with two little girls).

Love good design, you have a great sense of design history and don’t fuck around. Also love your candor, we need more honesty like this. I’m also a huge Kozelek fan and love your music updates. Keep it up man.

Yeah it’s a great stuff and I am sure I will get some information that I can use it as reference purpose.

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