I am a sucker for inexpensive things. I love going to thrift stores and finding items on the cheap that people would otherwise empty their wallets for. Some call it frugal, some call it thrifty…I call it smart, and I’d like to think its part of my charm. I want to share with you my fondness for discovering these inexpensive treasures that includes, but isn’t always limited to, graphic art/design. The truth of the matter is, I love finding and purchasing prints from designers which are, contrary to belief, pretty inexpensive.

About a million years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to Christian Helms at a design conference in Houston. He is the principal of The Decoder Ring Design Concern, an Austin, Texas based design firm. Despite being such a young designer, he was able to share his charm and incredible amount of experience to me and my fellow student designers. Their design philosophy, which has a vintage, yet modern typographic sense, is paired with a clever and witty sense of humor that is not only clean and refreshing, but simply irresistible. The firm has made a name for itself by designing album covers and promotional materials for bands such as Modest Mouse to none other than, Willie Nelson. With such a strong influence in the music industry, the firm was not only featured in RARE magazine’s Music Edition but also designed the magazine cover. Principal, Geoff Peveto, also participated in the organization of the Flatstock 24 Poster Exhibition at SXSW, a yearly conference/festival that brings together those involved in the interactive, film, and music industry. The poster conference, exposed both the conference goers and general public to the graphic arts found in the music industry and featured an impressive collection of posters, many of which were for sale.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this… But wait…

The Decoder Ring Design Concern has a shop! Oh yes they do! Some of their best poster designs (featured in this post) are available for purchase. So for about $50 or less, it is possible to find well-designed (BAND!) artwork that isn’t going to break the bank. If you are more of a graphic design aficionado, you can lay down some extra cash and purchase some of their Fine Art Prints. Each print comes from a guest designer/illustrator/artist and is truly a one of kind piece. Coming from a design geek, my favorite one has to be from New York designer (and legend!) James Victore. Enjoy!


Modest Mouse Houston by Christian Helms


Gnarls Barkley by Geoff Peveto


White Denim at Padre’s Marfa by Renee Fernadez


The Decoder Ring Design Concern at SXSW Flackstock Exhibition
^{Photo by ChristopherSchmitt.com}