Nifty

Instructor

Donald Gould

Course

Illustration

Focus

Illustration

Typefaces

Cyclone & Carosello

1950’s Inspired Stationery

Nifty is an independent stationery company that creates illustration-driven greeting cards and various stationery paraphernalia. Each product pairs a seemingly sweet and innocent monochromatic illustration with a splash of sassy (and sometimes inappropriate) humor.

Nifty’s aesthetic is inspired by the illustrations of Cynthia Amrine, a popular American illustrator of children’s educational posters during the 1950’s and 60’s. I loved the simplified shapes and bold line work used to create characters and their environment. I created a custom halftone pattern to match the appropriate look and feel of printing process used to give depth and interest to each piece.

design in mind

SET THE TONE

Nifty is inspired by the illustrative work of the 1950’s, most predominately Cynthia Amrine whose work showed restraint and clarity of purpose, giving it a timeless quality. Her distinct illustrative style still resonates today with people of all ages. Amrine created children’s artwork that didn’t talk down to them. Instead, her illustrations met children at their level, with bright colors, large text, and lively characters.

An important design element is the half tone pattern frequently used to fill large swashes of color during printing. The contrast between the character and the environment in which they live needed a delicate balance; the character needed to be the focal point while being complemented by the scenery behind.

Taster Flight | Taster Flight Rating Card | Coasters | Growler