I recently designed some 37signals Thank You cards. They were printed by Rohner Letterpress in Chicago. Here’s what they look like:
It was a really fun to see a working letterpress. I have done offset printing before, but this was my first time seeing a letterpress in action. I made a fun little video of the press — heavily inspired by Steve Delahoyde’s awesome Field Notes videos. Original music by Sudara.
Update: Here’s a link to download the song Sudara made.
We sent out a batch for those kind enough to participate in our Holiday Toy Drive.
Ryan Heneise
on 28 Feb 11That was really neat. Heidelbergs are really impressive.
AC
on 28 Feb 11@37signals
This was a great post until this very last paragraph quoted above.
Reason being, now you’re going to make all of your loyal 37svn readers:
1. Wonder why they weren’t important enough to know about the Toy Drive, and/or
2. Make those who didn’t receive a thank you note jealous or sadden that they aren’t important enough to get one.
ML
on 28 Feb 11AC, we posted about the toy drive here.
Anonymous Coward
on 28 Feb 11Jamie – the cards are really lovely. Thanks for sharing this and great job on the video.
Des Traynor
on 28 Feb 11I love the video, excellent work!
Carlos Taborda
on 01 Mar 11What’s the song on the video? That’s brilliant work music.
Scott Newcomb
on 01 Mar 11That was pretty cool. Nice card design, I like it’s simplicity.
Jake
on 01 Mar 11Nice video! What did you use to shoot it?
JD
on 01 Mar 11Carlos, my friend Sudara made an original song just for the video. He is awesome! Check out Ramen Music for more info.
Jake, Nikon D3100 with a 35mm f1.8 prime lens. Still getting the hang of DSLR video. Thanks for the kind words!
Nathan
on 01 Mar 11AC is right! And instead of limiting sending cards to just all customers (loyal or not) you really should send a card to ALL PEOPLE! I can’t bare to think of the possibility of someone, somewhere feeling left out because they didn’t get a card.
JD
on 01 Mar 11Nathan and AC, send me your names and mailing addresses. [email protected].
Peter Sankauskas
on 01 Mar 11Your logo is gorgeous! I never noticed it in black before, but in that shade of green, on a white background, on that angle, it is fantastic.
JD
on 01 Mar 11I had ended this post originally with the line:
I misspoke here, and am not setting clear expectations. We’ll be using these cards for many purposes — not just for specifically thanking “loyal customers”.
If you don’t get a card, it doesn’t mean we don’t think of you as a loyal customer. We’re thankful for all of our customers, first-timers and veterans alike.
rashad tarantino
on 01 Mar 11I really like this music. I love the variety of rhythms over the 3/4 base. It sounds so alive. The riff can go on & on & not become boring. Can we meet in Athens or Lisbon mid July ‘11.
Markus Czwiertnia
on 01 Mar 11I enjoyed watching this video! Am listening to the music now for the 2nd time, doesn’t get old. :) Thanks for sharing!
Nathan
on 02 Mar 11@Jamie I was totally being sarcastic! I thought AC’s comment was ridiculous. The idea that someone would feel jealous or sad about not getting a thank you card from a company whose services they use is totally beyond me (even though its a really cool company). Sorry for the confusion – I never seem to learn that my sarcasm doesn’t always translate in to text. By the way great post, great cards, and great vid, love the letterpress.
Jan
on 03 Mar 11The Heidelberger Tegel is the best machine for letterpress love it!
Kevin
on 04 Mar 11Thanks guys.
In almost any endeavor it’s the little things that make something special. 37signals did not have to send a card, you did not have to get it handmade and you really did not need to personalize it for me (thanks Marissa) but all of these things made it a lovely and unexpected surprise today when I opened my mail.
I can only hope that some boy or girl had an equally nice experience at christmas opening their gift as I did my card. Thanks.
Peaches
on 05 Mar 11Hand made. Oh 37 signals – did you give it a whiff of fart as well. What a circle jerk.
Luis
on 06 Mar 11These are awesome. It has inspired me to get some biz cards made soon.
Bryan
on 07 Mar 11Looks great. What was written on the inside?
This discussion is closed.