i am a graphic designer… I know sometimes that seems confusing but that’s who I am first and foremost. Last night I headed to the Wyly Theatre to attend Sappi’s launch of The Standard 5 which is all about Special processes (insert my face here) and of course had to see what was in store. I had the extreme pleasure of listening to a brief interview with two legends of our industry Kit Hindrichs (former Pentagram partner and AIGA medalist) and Jack Unruh (Illustration bad-ass - we like to think of him as the Willie Nelson of illustration). All that said, the event was to benefit Dave Eggers 826 National. 826 National is a nonprofit organization that provides writing and tutoring centers which is amazing but they are all placed in retail locations that are disguised as crazy-fun stores like Pirate (San Francisco) or Superhero Supply (Brooklyn) stores or my person fav The Boring Store (Chicago). AND WAIT FOR IT… they mentioned that there is a potential for a Texas location. They are considering Austin but we would LOVE to have it here in Dallas. Please Please Please!!! If any one is interested I would gladly band together to make this happen. An amazing cause and so fun. Read more about 826 here or visit their website. What would the Dallas storefront be???? I mean superheros, pirates, big foot, robots, space travel… hmmm. Zombies was a suggestion last night. Think on it folks.
So fun, so great. Here’s to design changing the world!
Ab-so-lute-ly LOVE the idea. Must be Dallas. Yes!
The SF store is amazing. I could totally see you lead/pull this off. I love writing+teaching, so I’d raise my hand to help. Storefront ideas: Hipster Pet Shop / Zombie Weight Watchers / A Gold Mime Shop (solid gold mimes) / A Time Machine Repair Store
Frances - I LOVE your ideas!!!!!!
I know we’ve never met but I would totally help with this! I was so inspired by Dave Eggers’ TED talk. This idea is so fabulous. Let’s get it to Dallas! The Time Machine Repair idea is absolutely brilliant.
Oh I have always LOVED the 826 National concept. How brilliant would it be to have one in Dallas.
I have been following 826 National for a long time and yes, as a former DISD English teacher, a post here would be a breath of fresh air. There is too much convention in Dallas schools/Non-Profit service providers, when it come to equipping our youth to be literate and eventually work-force ready. If you are really interested in creating a “Come to Dallas” bandwagon, let me know. Maybe I can get some of my old teacher colleagues on the train too…Take Care!
Update! Wanted to let you all know I heard that it was announced the Texas location will be in Austin and it will be bat themed. Bummed for us but happy for them and of course that concept is AWESOME!!!