Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!

I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and thank you kindly for taking the time to read my blog.



Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Holiday Shopping at Vintage 66

Heavens to Murgatroyd! The holiday season is quickly approaching and we've got some new products, as well as some old classics posted posted for sale on the Vintage 66 Graphics Shop. And you can save some money by starting here at the Zazzle Coupon Code Page. There are codes for many different products, T-shirts and mugs  for instance, and most of the codes are valid until December 31st. It's a great way to save money and you don't have to go to a crowded mall, or any of that nonsense.

Bad Example T-shirt
Something I always tell my nieces and nephews, remember Uncle Bob is the BAD example.



Maple Bars Ladies T-shirt
Destined to be a classic a vintage image of a happy 50's gal, with a bit of contemporary attitude.




Warning Noon T-shirt
Another one of the best sellers at Vintage 66, so I call this one an old classic.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Free Shipping on Cyber Monday!

Holy Mackerel! Check this out, I've just put up even more new products, mostly T-shirts, but more are on the way. Anyway, to kick off Cyber Monday properly, the kids at Zazzle are going to pick up the shipping fees. That's right, free shipping, just use this Code: FREESHIP2DAY when you check out. NOTE: This is FOR TODAY ONLY , Cyber Monday, so you'll want to do it now. Check out the links below, or head on over to the Vintage 66 Graphics Shop today.


Funky Skull

Devil Eightball Beer Mug
Devil Eightball Beer Mug mug
Devil Eightball Beer Mug by Vintage66
Make custom Travel mugs online at zazzle.com

Evil Virgin T-shirt

Retro Stink Finger T-shirt

Instant Idiot T-shirt

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Retro Christmas Card

It's late and and I'm growing more weary with each keystroke, so this is just a short post. The full 2009 Christmas Collection isn't done yet, but here is a quick peek at some of my most recent card designs. Of course, you're also welcome to just head on over to the holiday section of the Vintage 66 Graphics Shop.

Mid Century Modern Christmas Card

Simple Retro Christmas Card

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Cyber Monday is Almost Here!

Well, by Jingo! It seems like it's always something. As you may or may not know, Cyber Monday is quickly approaching and I was hoping to have scads of retro Christmas cards available, but there were some design miscalculations (and its pretty hard to point fingers in a one man operation) so I have to go back and fix a few things. Rest assured, the cards are still coming, but probably not by Monday. In the meantime, I've been busy posting some awesome new products just in time for the holidays, so check out the links below for some cool new designs as well as an old favorite emblazoned not just on T-shirts, but some other nifty products, like mouse pads, beer steins and trucker hats. They make great gifts to tickle the funny bone of  that crude and vulgar miscreant on your list, and you can do your shopping without even having to put on pants. Try that at Wal-Mart—well, okay that was a bad example, but you know what I mean. Oh, and just a little money saving tip, you might want to start out by checking out the Zazzle Coupon Code Page for the latest holiday coupon codes, because in this economy, every little bit helps. And in the interest of fair play, I want to point out that these codes are good at ALL Zazzle shops, not just mine. Or if you like, you can just swing on by the Vintage 66 Shop and browse around. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your holiday shopping convenience.

The Devil Eightball
I recently re-released this design, which is the best selling design in Vintage 66 Graphics history, by the way. It  features a surly, devilish 8 ball with a pint of beer. The problem was that it was only available on black garments because I thought the original file had been damaged, but lo and behold, I found it the other day, so now it is back in all of its original glory, and available in ALL shirt colors, as well as some other products. A great gift for yourself or your favorite billiards nut.


Warning Noon
This is another great selling design, now available on a swell trucker hat. Part humorous slogan, part public service, it's like getting two hats for the price of one. Now isn't that a bargain?


Doesn't Count
Okay ladies, how many times have you had to say this: It Doesn't Count If I Have To Tell You! Well, by golly, now this slogan is available on a T-shirt, and while it is the super cool ringer shirt that is shown, it is actually available on a number of cool shirt styles. The design features a wacky retro Latin font, and authentic vintage art. Get yours today!

Asshole Magnet
This is an all too common situation, it just seems that the sweeter the gal, the bigger the asshole she ends up with. This shirt is a humorous approach, and while it won't fix the problem, it might make her feel a little better.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

New Blog Post On My Sketchblog

Not much to report at the moment, Halloween is over, but Festivus, Christmas the New Year are all barreling down, so I've been getting some products ready for that. In the meantime, I just put up an amusing illustrated blog post over on my almighty sketchblog, A Walk on the Wiles Side. Check it out if you like childish fart humor. I'll be updating on holiday products as soon as it is available. Have a great week.

Cheers!

Robb

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Brief Look at Vintage Advertising Spot Illustrations

Soon I will be launching a line of customizable retro business products on my Zazzle shop, business cards, promotional flyers, rack cards and things of that nature. I've had a long love affair with vintage cartoons, illustrations & advertising, and it has certainly had an effect on my styles, both artistically and design-wise. Basically, I will be offering templates featuring designs that are heavily inspired by the atomic era of mid-centure modern pop culture, black and white spot illustrations from the 30's to the 60's and old motel and restaurant signs from along Route 66, among other influences. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will go into more detail in a later post.  Anyway, for today I just wanted to take a quick look at some authentic vintage advertising spot illustrations.


Great Googly-Moogly! He sure is excited—almost delirious in fact, about that huge dee-licious burger. Why even the burger itself emanates excitement. Just look at those glow lines (also called emanata in the cartooning world).








Sometimes the art can be rather disturbing, and the slogans a bit underwhelming, but these quirks only add to the quaint charm of the piece.



I think I mentioned something about not always being politically correct—yeah, follow the tubby guy for big portions.


Again we find the somewhat arbitrary slogan, this time it's paired with as many fonts as possible in one design. Evidently, these people are so particular they only need two ellipsis instead of the usual three.




 Thanks for stopping by.
-Cheers!

Last Minute Release

I'm not really sure how this keeps happening, perhaps it's my age or something. Actually the longer I do the this art thing, the more often it happens. I did this Trio of Jack-O-Lanterns illustration last year and it was all ready to go and everything, but come this year I somehow forgot about it. So, this is a late release, but it is available and if you hurry there is still time.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Vintage 66 Halloween Clip

Ladies and Gentle men! Children of all ages! Here it is the much anticipated Vintage 66 Graphics Halloween Thingy. Mostly I was just testing out the possibilities, but of course, the website and store are both live and ready to go. May actually be a little late for the invitations, but plenty of cards & Gifts. So, stop by today.

-Cheers!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Final Halloween Product Goofy Jacks T-shirt

It dawned on me late last night that I had not made a T-shirt for my Goofy Jack-O-Lanterns illustration that I released earlier, so I put this one together, although I left the text editable, just in case you want it to say something other than Trick Or Treat! Anyway, this is the final product for Halloween 2009, and after I finish a few marketing projects, such as the upcoming and much anticipated Halloween Youtube video, I will be moving on to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and no promises, but possibly, Festivus! So, check back soon for the World Premier of my first video.

-Cheers!

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Halloween Collection 2009

About 4:32 this morning I finished posting the 2009 Halloween Collection on my Zazzle shop. I actually have two more illustrations I want to add, but I'm not sure if I'll have time, since Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are all breathing down my neck, and I'm also working on some retro business templates, business cards and flyers, etc. Well, I got up today and found out that one of my designs had won a TBA (Today's Best Award) on Zazzle, so I'm feeling really great about that. Anyway, I just wanted to do a little boasting.

Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers!

TBA Winner for October 5th, 2009
Customizable Halloween Party Invitation

Goofy Jack-O-Lanterns Mug

Funky Skull Ladies T-shirt

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Halloween Swag: Round 1

Howdy!
Sorry I haven't posted here in awhile, but I have been one busy fella. I've been busting my tail to get out some Halloween Swag. I'll post more about it later probably after I finish round 2. Nevertheless, here is a peek at some of my newest designs and products for Halloween, which along with many other designs, are available at the Vintage 66 Graphics Shop.

Cheers!



Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Surprise Hot Seller: Spanked Early

This is the perfect shirt for all you naughty girls out there, and evidently there seems to be a lot of of you, since this has become one of the hottest selling slogan T-shirts in the last couple of weeks over at the Vintage 66 Graphics Shop. So, if you're a bad girl who needs to be pulled across someones lap for a good spanking, this is the perfect shirt for you. Also makes a great gift for your favorite bottom girl.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Triumphant Return of the Devil 8-Ball T-shirt

After a short hiatus, the surly Devil 8-Ball design is back! Yes, and remember you read it here first, the best selling T-shirt in Vintage 66 history is back. It is rather a long and complicated story, but it is only available on Black T-shirts for the moment. Although I'm thinking seriously of redesigning it soon, if for no other reason than because my style has changed so much since I did this version. A great shirt for hanging out at your local pub.

Living the Dream

This is another design that has been a long time coming, but I am oh so happy that it's finally here. You see this design does double duty, meaning one slogan but two possible meanings. For those of you still doing well in this crappy economy, it is a proud boast, but for anyone not doing so well, this is a sarcastic, with a side of snark. And just think, you wont even have to change your shirt when the economy gets healthy again, and it will, because it always does—always. In the meantime, get yourself a Living the Dream T-shirt.
Living the Dream T-Shirt shirt
Living the Dream T-Shirt by Vintage66
Make a customized t shirt online at zazzle.com

Evil Virgin T-shirt Available Now!

After what has seemed like an eternity the Evil Virgin Ladies T-shirt is finally available and I couldn't be happier. It seems there really should be a ribald and amusing story to go with it, but there really isn't, but perhaps I can make one up someday soon. In the meantime, this rockin' design is especially for all of you punk-a-billy, hot rod kittens out there. A red cherry with devil horns and a tail with the words Evil Virgin on an weathered looking scroll, for a really cool vintage tattoo look. This will be a real head-turner!

Evil Virgin T-shirt shirt
Evil Virgin T-shirt by Vintage66
Many more tee shirt designs available on zazzle

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Redesigned: The Lady Luck Devil Girl T-shirt

There's a big deal here at Vintage 66 Graphics. Have you heard the news? The Lucky Devil Girl T-shirt has been redesigned! 

This is it, your new lucky shirt! A cute little devil girl imposed over a subtle sunburst background pattern, and the Queen of Diamonds and the Ace of Spades. The word Lucky is layed out above it all with a sweet retro bowling alley treatment which gives the whole design a cool vintage look. A great shirt to bring you good luck for Poker Night, or just hanging out at your local watering hole. Stop by anytime, we're always open.

-Cheers!

New Skull T-shirt Designs at Vintage 66!

I Just put up a couple of variations of a Split Skull Spade T-shirt design at the almighty Vintage 66 Graphics Zazzle Shop. This is actually a design I came up with awhile back, but I was never entirely happy with it, until now that is. It features a technique that I don't use very often, perfect symmetry. I usually prefer to knock things off balance a little, maybe that comes from my off-kilter personality. Nevertheless, I used a skull and spade design and split it right down the middle for a perfect balance of dark and light. There are two versions available for dark shirts, with the design in either Red or White, and they both have a very subtle gray background pattern. There is also a version with a black design for light colored shirts, but I took the background pattern out to intensify the the starkness. It really pops on a white shirt. This is a great shirt for Poker Night, or even just hanging out with friends at your local bar. So feel free to stop by anytime and take a look, we're always open.

-Cheers!

Red on Dark


White on Dark


Black on White

Sunday, July 26, 2009

New Website Look Version 3.0

Just published the newest version of the almighty Vintage 66 Graphics website, although bear in mind that it is still in beta mode, meaning there are still some elements that need fine tuned. The portfolio and the store are both functional, but still under construction as well, nevertheless, everything is moving along.

-Cheers!

Friday, July 24, 2009

FunnyT-shirt: You Should See Me Naked!

After years of drawing nude models and hanging out in strip clubs (in my younger, wealthier years) I've become pretty comfortable with the human body in all its shapes, sizes and adornments, so I'm simultaneously stymied, amused and greatly irritated by the puritanical paradox that is our American culture. I mean we're bombarded by hundreds, if not thousands T & A images every stinkin' day, through print, television and the internet, but if woman dares to breastfeed her child in a public place rather than some filthy restroom . . . Heaven's to Murgatroyd! Call the Nipple Police! Okay, granted, we are getting much better about that, but what really chaps my ass is that through those same venues we see just as many images and depictions of violence, also on a daily basis. Seriously, I'll take exposed areolae over a lake of blood any day of the week.

Anyway, not too long ago I was involuntarily part of a humorous nakey incident at the local swimming hole. It's rather a long story, but it boils down to this, a little old Asian lady—and I find it that much more hilarious that she didn't seem to speak any English— wandered into the wrong dressing room at the pool and saw me quite naked. And by that I mean full frontal! I was in the shower, rinsing the shampoo out of my hair at the time, so she had a complete unobstructed view, not to mention a little animation by the scrubbing action, if you know what I mean. The funniest part to me is when I imagine the conversation at her family's dinner table later that night:

What did you do today, Grandma?


Oh, I did a little gardening, had lunch with the girls, then I went to the pool.
. . . Oh, and I saw a big dorky white guy naked.

Grandma! How does this keep happening?!


So, in honor of all this nonsense and silliness, I offer the You should See Me Naked! T-shirt, which does double duty, incidentally, depending on your mindset, it's either blatant boasting, or self depreciating sarcasm, or perhaps even a little of both.

-Cheers!



Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Deed is Done: Evil Virgin Closed

I received my final check from Cafepress last week, and have now closed down my CP T-shirt shop, Evil Virgin Tees. Since the filthy bastards no longer have my money, or any other hold over me, this post was originally planned as something of a ranting exposé on the greedy business practices of CafePress and why it sucks to do business with them. However, I've since decided that my time and energy can be better utilized elsewhere, such as re-working my website & portfolio. And I've also signed up with Squidoo recently, so there should be some nifty lenses coming soon. Having said all that, I would definitely caution anyone who is considering opening a shop with CafePress to review other fulfillment services, such as Zazzle. Another option would be to stab yourself in the ass with a meat fork—it will feel the same, but wont be quite such a violation. Okay, my rant is over . . . for now.

-Cheers!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

A New Look For July!

I've got some new things brewing here at the V66G blog. I just finished up the preliminary new header, but I'll probably be tweaking it from time to time, before I put it on the actual website, although i think I may try it out on my Zazzle Shop. I'm also trying a new color scheme black & red are the same, but I'm using white instead of cream. Golly kids, I reckon that's about it for news here.

Have a safe and sane 4th of July, and don't forget, lots of water and sunscreen, its going to be a scorcher.

-Cheers!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Yes, I Said Pencil Farts!

Hey kids! I just wanted to show off my new, and as of yet, unnamed sketch blog mascot. At some point—and remember you read it here first— in the near future he may very well may end up as part of a T-shirt design. This image is actually the header banner for my sketch blog, A Walk on the Wiles Side. I went with a farting pencil theme because the full title reads: A Walk on the Wiles Side—The Pencil Farts of Robert Wiles. It was going to be the Pencil RIFFS of Robert Wiles, but I think the word riffs imply a finished, or at least more polished project, which sketches most definitely are not. They are truly much more like farts, so, that's where that term came from, and now you are in the know.
-Cheers!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Look Ma, No Black!

This illustration, or illy as we in the biz like to call it (or at least I like to) was inspired by a recent road trip to the Oregon Coast, and the childhood memories it evoked of the really cool billboards that used to line highway 18 in the late 60's and early 70's. Now, of course, the current billboards are nothing but charmless, unimaginative, corporate crap. However, I'm sure the ones I consider to be whimsical classics had their detractors at the time as well.

I'm not positive, but I believe that this is the first piece I have ever done with absolutely no black whatsoever. I'm not saying this is necessarily good or bad, I just find it interesting, and probably it is a good stretch for me artistically. Incidentally, this image is for the head banner on my newest blog, ThrillsVille Deluxe. Mainly I scour the almighty internet for cool retro stuff, and add my wry observations, heart warming reminiscences and whatnot, and you end up with something I would describe as Retro on the Half Shell, a veritable smorgasbord of cool vintage stuff.

-Cheers!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Leaving CafePress

It seems that after several years it is time to close down Evil Virgin T-shirts & Gifts (the Vintage 66 Graphics shop on CafePress). The folks at CafePress are enacting some new policies that I just find unacceptable, and therefore it is time to move on. I've seen several posts in the CP forums that many other shop keepers are doing the same thing, which may or may not be enough to make them change their corporate mind, so who knows. Anyway, the point is barring a speedy reversal on these new policies, Evil Virgin will be closing down without further notice, although it will be there for at least a little while longer. Of course, the Vintage 66 Shop on Zazzle is still there, albeit with limited designs and in need of some more work at the moment, but fully functional, and hopefully there will be more designs soon.

Now, I'm not one to gossip, so you didn't hear this from me, but there very well may be some other surprises at the V66 camp in the not so distant future—so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, have a great weekend.

-Cheers!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Vintage General Motors Ad from 1958

With the recent auto industry bailouts and so forth; regardless of what your thoughts on that whole debacle are, it just seems like a good time to take a look back at some of the class and elegance that used to be General Motors back in the day. Man Alive! Talk about curves and lines, and what a snazzy jingle as well. This vintage commercial is from 1958 and it seems to have been part of the GM 50 year anniversary promotion. Enjoy.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Vintage Movie Snack Bar Ads

Hey kids!
I've been feeling nostalgic lately, well actually that's my usual mood, so maybe just a little extra nostalgic. Anyway, here are a couple of cool old ads for movie theater snack bars & drive-in refreshment centers. For you youngsters out there, at one time when you went to a movie you didn't have to sit through 47 minutes of ads before the movie even started, you just had the previews and one or two little ads like these before the 2nd movie started—yeah, two movies! Imagine that.

-Cheers!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Sneak Preview: New T-shirt Shop

Hey Kids!

I've recently opened a new T-shirt shop with Zazzle, and I'm still fumbling around, getting things organized, and working on some more designs. I'm starting off with a lot of slogan shirts, and yes, many of them are somewhat crude and vulgar, but if you know me, I don't imagine you would expect anything less. I've also got some graphic fashion tees up, and more are on the way. So, if you want to see what I've got so far, you can check out here, or you can also just check the shop panel to your right. Oh! and tell your friends if you would.

-Cheers!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Comfortable Underwear: The Evolution of a Logo

There is an old graphic designer's saying, which I've just made up: Logos are like underwear on a long bus ride—you want a good fit. I'm not sure exactly how many versions I've come up with for Vintage 66 Graphics, since I started almost a year ago, and while many never even made it beyond the sketchbook, there are three that made it to the final stage. So without further adieu, I present the V-66 logo Collection in chronological order.

This was the first finished version, which I have dubbed the Googie logo. Its name comes from the architecture & design period of the same name. It has very bowling alley or motel look to it, and certainly reflects parts of my style, but not all the elements, and its really too clean & crisp to properly represent my work .



I call this second version my Highway Logo, because it has more of an Atomic Era highway feel to it (think Route 66, Super 99, or Pacific Coast Highway). Not only did I create a new logo, but I went with a new color scheme as well, which I've come to realize is just too bland, and not really me. Don't get me wrong, I really like the logo, but no cigar.



For the current version, I returned to my old color scheme, and went with a real cartoony font, and the result much better represents the cartoony, neo-retro, mid-century modern, skully, tattooed pinup, dark and twisty jack-in-the-box, farting buffalo, rabid trailer tramp feel that my style encompasses.



Well, kids, I reckon that's about it for this post, so thanks for stopping by.

-Cheers!


Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vintage Portland Video Clip: 1939

I would imagine this post comes under the heading of whatnot, as mentioned on the new banner. I was stumbling around Youtube a little while ago and found this really cool clip of some traffic at what is still a somewhat intimidating intersection: E. Burnside, 12th and Sandy in Portland, Oregon. Okay I'll grant you that on the surface traffic isn't that entertaining, from Portland or anywhere else, but this is different. It dates from 1939, and most of it is in color. It was originally posted by Dan Haneckow over at Unknown Cafe. According to Haneckow, this clip (along with a few others) was filmed by the Traffic Engineering Bureau as a way of documenting the traffic pattern after installing some modern traffic lights. In the background is the legendary Tik-Tok Drive-In Restaurant, which I understand, had only opened the year before in 1938. And those cool old cars are pretty nifty—of course, they weren't that old at the time. Also, keep an eye out for the electric trolley buses, which were all the rage at the time. Anyway, I just think its cool to see a bit of Old Portland come back to life, and I hope you enjoy it.
-Cheers!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Web Site is Done!

Holy Smacks! I've been fighting with this stinkin' thing for quite some time now, but the new Vintage 66 Graphics web site is finally done and published, and even ahead of schedule. Now bear in mind that it is still in beta mode, but the grand opening should be soon—God willing and the creek don't rise. Why don't you swing by and take a look? Oh, and did you happen to notice the new logo as well?

-Cheers!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Do-Over: Introduction Revisited

Note: In what some blog purists might consider a blogging faux pas, I have re-written this post, partly because the old post is no longer relevant (it was explaining why the Vintage 66 Blog was on hold temporarily) but mainly because its my blog and I'll do as I damned well please. The worst part about starting a new blog is the stark nakedness caused by the lack of posts, but at the same time, you have to start somewhere, so lets put some "clothes" on this blog. And now without further adieu I present: the introduction do-over.

In addition to restarting the blog, there are tons of changes going on at Vintage 66 Graphics: I'm re-doing the website, working on some greeting card designs to shop around to various companies, as well as re-vamping the CafePress T-shirt shop: Evil Virgin T-shirts & Gifts, which features crude & vulgar slogan designs. I also have plans to open a second CP shop, focusing more on fashion graphic tees, and probably overhaul the V66 shop at Zazzle, perhaps even some shoe designs, or maybe even a skateboard or two. But that's not all, I've got surprises in store as well, but you'll just have to wait and see what those are all about. In the meantime, you can always check out my sketchblog: A Walk on the Wiles Side.

Cheers & thank you for stopping by.
-Robert