AIGA / AARON DRAPLIN IN DETROIT

Aaron Draplin, one of the leading designers of the New Americana movement (that you'll recognise from recent work lauding American craftsmanship from the likes of Levi's and the rise of blogs like A Continuous Lean) is making a rare speaking stop in his hometown of Detroit.

Draplin, in league with the American Institute of Graphic Arts and agency Team Detroit, will be appearing at the 1515 Broadway gallery on Thursday, August 26th from 7:00 to 8:30. The event, billed as 'Tall Tales from a Large Man' will be, according to Draplin's blog, 'a night of truth regarding matters of freedom, independence, graphic arts, the open road, making a living, survival, love, hate, Futura Bold, doing it our way, orange things, wiener dogs, proof of what we do, tall tales, big words, small ideas, matters of national security, parents, family and friends'.

Draplin designed the popular Field Notes brand of notebooks alongside Chicago company Coudal Partners as a re-take on farmers' memo books, and was one of two designers behind a recent logo for the Obama administration's TIGER project. The Portland, Oregon-based designer garnered much attention several years ago for a diatribe on visual heritage called 'America Is F*cked.......(Graphically at least)' and his cataloging of retro design elements on his website.

Tickets are only $10, and are expected to sell out. Contagious North America will be on hand as a media supporter, so stop by and say hello.