Before the advent of computers, graphic designers did text layouts by hand, often using ‘rub on letters’ (also called letter transfers or dry transfers). They came in large paper or plastic sheets and were rubbed onto artwork. “Transfer” is a generic term used, sometimes inappropriately, for various graphic arts techniques, the most common being pressure-sensitive [...]

I don’t think people really use label makers like these anymore (there’s fancy electronic versions now!), but recently I found this at the Salvation Army and fell in love with the retro modern design. Maybe I’ll track down some colored rolls of label tape one of these days… Tweet This Post

Before computers became commonplace, there was the french curve. Once a graphic designer’s staple, they’re now a slight novelty. A french curve is a template used in drafting and typography to create smooth curves- this is how typographers got the lines so perfect on hand-drawn letters and logos back in the day. I never use [...]