I woke early, feeling restful and ready for the day. Oddly, I did not feel that Excited. I don't know why. After my
shower, finally figured out the darn thing - I spent the first few days fighting with the extremely high water pressure and
an enveloping curtain. And after a cup of watered down hotel coffee - yuck, but there was a Starbucks on the way
where I knew I'd get much better. And after changing into my frock for the first day - the pink grosgrain
belted-with-a-bow-in-back Audrey Hepburn inspired dress. I was ready. In my new white espadrilles, my hair all curly
and a little lipstick applied, I was ready for the long walk to the Javits Center. Passing by the NYPD station at 34th &
9th, I had to smile as all the officers outside were kind enough with their compliments as I passed. Now, I am usually a
Firefighter type of girl - I like the idea of being picked up and rescued, being as small as I am, it's not really an absurd
request either - I weigh only a hundred pounds. I also like cowboys for the same reason - I need help to get onto a
horse. Police officers are not usually my thing, but I was in NYC and these guys are heroes, it's as plain as that. When
one imagines the horrors they witnessed on 9/11 (and I suppose all that they deal with every day), they're pretty amazing
guys. In NY, I have as much respect for officers as I do for firemen. In Boise, it's still just the firemen.
Upon entering the Javits, I realized that I didn't have my badge, no worries as I was able to quickly procure another and
then I made my way to my booth space. Passing the Binth booth, I looked in admiration at their lovely screen printed
cards and the beautiful way in which their work was presented. I also fell in love with all that BellaMuse had done with
their space, very French. At Saturate, another screenprinter, I was amazed at their use of color, especially with
multi-colored prints. And of course, my neighbor at Old School Stationers had to win for Best in Show with his
unbelievably colorful artistic letterpress work. I held a special fondness for the Hammerpress people, Brady had squished
his hand and injured a finger while moving the wooden crate before unpacking the other day. And though we offered to
assist him with the set up of his booth, he and Lindsay were able to get it all together and their work was a celebration of
all that is wonderful about the history and artistry of the letterpress. Once the day started, I made it my personal goal to
try and figure out if theirs was a working relationship or Something More. He looked a lot like Elvis Costello, in fact I
had a hard time remembering his name as he looked nothing like a Brady to me. And Lindsay had a real Sandy Duncan
quality about her, I loved the way she dressed and wished I could pull off style in the same manner. I was going to keep
my eye on those two. I had my suspicions.
The first day of a Trade Show is usually slow. For any trade show that also includes a Sunday, this is typically a slow
day as well. I did not expect much. My first order was small and a bit more of a hassle than anything, but Paul was there
with me and I wanted to show him how to write an order. The store wanted little or no identifier on the cards, especially
printed on the reverse. Paul asked, "Then how is she going to protect the work she's done?" They acquiesced to a small
company logo and I agreed. They had a store that catered to people who liked to use the cards as invitations and did not
necessarily want to showcase anything but their planned fete. Like a wedding invitation. Still, I liked the idea of my little
brother standing up for me.
The next order was nothing much either, but by then, Paul was out wandering around the show, probably feeling a little
bored with standing in the booth and a feeling a little awkward when the booth became congested. As he was out
wandering, a bevy of Japanese businessmen and women came into the booth. They were charming, extremely so and I
fell in love with them immediately. We talked a bit as they were curious about the cards, the packaging and all the colors.
They also loved the name of the company. And they placed an order. A very large order. In one fell swoop, I paid for
my booth and then some.
In all my years of doing graphic design and packaging design for others, I have incorporated all that I have learned from
the Japanese and their talent for presenting packaged objects of desire. From tea bags to candy to paper stationery, I
have perused the shelves of every Japanese grocery store and gift shop that I've come across. I've spent more money on
items to just keep in their original packaging and display on shelves in my studio than I care to admit (no more than
$700, I'm not that crazy). When it finally came time to get to packaging my own cards, I turned to the Japanese. I
wanted silk-lined, linen covered 2-part boxes. Too expensive. I wanted handmade paper covered boxes. Again, money. I
wanted to just make my own as I am a Very Good Box Maker. Too labor intensive. When my best friend Sondra
suggested that I go with Glassine envelopes, I worried they would be too simple. For Sondra, I have stressed over
packaging for years - she does an amazing line of bath products and her company, The Scented Room has been my
personal packaging investment for years. To have her assisting me was a welcome change and I debated her suggestion
while pursuing other options. When the 4x6 glassine envelopes finally arrived and I did up a sample pack in both the
glassine and a handmade paper pouch bag thingy, I presented the two options to a bevvy of friends for their opinions.
The glassine won out hands down.
Apparently it was a hit with the Japanese as well. My personal Biggest Critics.
The day ended and I was exhausted but happy. After packing up and walking out with a headache-inducing smile on my
face, I was ready for a quick night on the town and then my head on a pillow.
Dinner this night was My Pick - and I chose Better Burger, a small joint near the hotel, casual enough that I could be
comfortable in my running shoes and running skirt while munching on my first taste of beef in many months. I figured,
if it was organic, I could do the beef burger but Better Burger had an array of veggie options that sounded just as tasty
as even the organic chicken and turkey did. Unfortunately they were out of their fish selection, otherwise I would have
had a difficult decision for my mouth. I had selected Better Burger because the Lonely Planet book recommended their
air-bake fries that "tasted as if they were fried in oil. We could eat these everyday." I would agree, they were delicious in
the organic ketchup, curry ketchup and chipotle ketchup that BB offered as well.
mmmm.
One quick recommendation while I am thinking of it, try the Heinz Low Sodium/Low Salt ketchup - it is very, very good.
yum. t